Arthritis describes a variety of conditions that involve pain and swelling in the joints. There are two types of arthritis consist of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA primarily results when wear and tear of cartilage cause bones to rub together, causing friction, damage, and swelling. RA is a systemic condition that activates signs throughout the body. It’s an autoimmune illness and occurs when the immune system incorrectly attacks healthy joint tissue.

Medical professionals can recommend medication to relieve the discomfort of arthritis, however, they frequently advise natural approaches, too. If you are considering checking out some natural solutions to help eliminate arthritic discomfort, we have some tips and advice to assist you. Remember to chat with your medical professional before trying any treatment for arthritis, whether it includes medication or not.

Get enough exercise

Physical activity is vital for individuals with osteoarthritis, whether it means walking around your home if you’re a fragile older person or swimming laps if you are in better shape. If you have arthritis, exercise can help you:

• manage your body weight
• keep your joints supple
• strengthen muscles around your joints, which offers more support

Current advice strongly suggests beginning an appropriate exercise program. If you lack motivation, try and exercise with a personal trainer or a friend or family member who can keep you motivated. It’s often a good idea to opt for low-impact exercises to avoid further injury. Some great options include taking a walk, biking, tai chi and water activities like swimming.

Watch your weight

Your body weight can have a big effect on arthritis you may be experiencing. Extra body weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and feet. Many health professionals agree and recommend losing weight if you have OA and are overweight or obese.

Have a chat with your doctor who will help you set a target weight and form a program to help you to reach that target. Minimising the stress on your joints by losing excess body weight can help improve your mobility, minimise discomfort and prevent future damage to your joints.

Acupuncture

This form of Chinese medicine involves inserting thin, small needles through the skin at particular acupoints on the body. It is designed to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue, improve blood flow and trigger the body’s natural painkillers. While there’s insufficient proof to verify its benefits, serious harm or damage is considered quite low with this form of alternative treatment. If you do choose to give acupuncture a try, be sure to book an appointment with a certified and qualified acupuncturist.

Massage

Gentle massage with moderate pressure can help to lower joint discomfort and stiffness. It may also help improve your range of motion. 

But, it’s important to consider how you feel. Listen to your body. Massage may not be as practical if you are experiencing a painful flare-up of your symptoms. This is likely to be the time when your joints are particularly tender and delicate. If you are experiencing too much pain, always rest first and then consider a massage at a later time. Massage works well for numerous conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower pain in the back, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Topical pain relief

Topical pain relief gels work by stimulating sensory nerve endings in the skin. The body then responds by minimising pain signals through the nerve system. Some topical pain relief items are better on painful joints situated close to the skin, such as the knuckles and knees, rather than much deeper joints, such as the lower back and hips.

Because there are quite a few products to choose from, you may feel confused by the number of topical creams, balms, gels, patches, and sprays available to deal with arthritis discomfort. Many topical pain relievers are offered over the counter, without a prescription, while certain other topical items require a doctor’s prescription.

A final word of advice

Arthritic pain can be frustrating and disrupt your everyday life if it is too uncomfortable. If you are worried about issues associated with your joints or if you are uncertain if you have arthritis, always make sure you have a chat with your doctor. They will be able to determine and diagnose your condition and they’ll be able to provide you with the help you may need with a treatment plan for your discomfort.