Arthritis is an inflammation of a single or multiple joints in the body. It has several types, each one having its causes and appropriate treatments. Osteoarthritis is the most common form. Other common ones may include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that cannot be cured with natural remedies. However, natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis can help in relieving the symptoms of joint pain and swelling to some extent. Since there are no side effects associated with home remedies for arthritis, you can try them at home.
However, remember that home remedies for arthritis are not a replacement for medical treatment and must always be coupled with medicines to manage arthritis pain and stiffness better.
Home Remedies for Arthritis Treatment
Here are some of the most effective home remedies for arthritis and joint pain:
1. Engage in light physical activity
If you have arthritis, you might avoid moving your joints because of the discomfort it causes. However, inactivity or lack of movement over time has a damaging effect on the joints. It can result in muscle weakness and restricted joint movement.
Light exercises and certain forms of light yoga are good home remedies for arthritis management. Mild stretching, walking, and swimming are a few simple exercises that can be done to strengthen your muscles and joints. Include them in your routine to naturally relieve joint pain and other arthritis symptoms.
2. Use hot and cold compressions
This home remedy for arthritis provides significant relief from the swelling of joints and arthritis pain. Hot compression is used for pain relief, loosening stiff joints, and relaxing muscles. You can use a heating pad or a warm towel for compression.
Cold compressions in the form of ice packs are ideal for reducing swelling in joints. However, you should not use them simultaneously and give a gap of a few hours between sessions.
3. Take a massage for arthritis
Body massages are known for being a good home remedy for arthritis, especially osteoarthritis and knee pain. They help to lower stress hormones and release mood-enhancing hormones. They also reduce stiffness and joint pain and improve joint function.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
Arthritis primarily affects the weight-bearing joints of the body. Extra body weight puts additional strain on these joints, like your knees and hips. This aggravates the pain. Losing extra body weight is one of the best home remedies for arthritis.
If you are overweight and suffer from arthritis, follow a healthy diet regime to maintain a healthy weight. This will help increase your mobility and reduce future damage to your bones.
5. Use Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively researched for their ability to treat rheumatoid arthritis because they have anti-inflammatory properties. According to studies, people who consume more fatty fish or take fish oil supplements experience less morning stiffness and joint pain and rarely need medication.
Thus, omega-3 fatty acids are suggested as a home remedy for arthritis. However, consult a doctor before adding a supplement to your diet to know if it will suit you.
6. Add turmeric or curcumin supplements to your diet
Studies have shown that turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Thus, it can be used as a natural remedy for joint pain. The active ingredient found in turmeric is a compound called curcumin, which may help reduce osteoarthritis pain without any side effects.
Some studies have shown that curcumin intake treats morning stiffness increases walking time, and reduces joint swelling in arthritis patients. You can safely add turmeric to your diet. You may also take turmeric or curcumin supplements made with piperine, which helps the body absorb curcumin more effectively. Nevertheless, it is important to consult your doctor before adding a curcumin supplement to your diet.