How to Cure Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the joints, causing stiffness and pain. One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis worsens with age as a result of the wear and tear of cartilage in the joints. While doctors often treat arthritis pain by prescribing anti-inflammatories and medications, there are other solutions you can try.

If you don't want to deal with unnecessary side effects, consider trying natural pain relief methods. However, before trying any method, make sure your doctor approves it or it could worsen your condition.

Weightloss

If you're told your arthritis pain is a result of your weight, you may need to lose a few pounds. Excess weight can put pressure on your joints, including areas like your feet, knees, and hips. Start an aerobic exercise routine and monitor your calorie intake for a few weeks to see if you notice a difference.

The more weight you can lose, the less pressure you have on your joints, so this is a good solution for arthritis pain. Keep in mind that you shouldn't do anything too vigorous or you could risk hurting yourself instead of helping.

hot and cold therapies

Hot and cold treatments are one option when it comes to relieving arthritis pain. Taking long showers or baths can help with the joint stiffness and pain you feel. You can also use heating pads (wet pads) and/or electric blankets to keep your joints loose. Cold treatments are ideal for joint point relief, including the use of ice gel packs or a bag of frozen vegetables on a towel to apply directly to the joints.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been a historical remedy for many things in the field of Chinese medicine. This method involves the strategic insertion of needles into certain areas of the body. By doing so, you will redirect the energies and begin to cultivate balance in your body. Many patients who suffer from arthritis pain have found that after just one session they feel much better. However, it is imperative that you get a recommendation from your doctor on which professional acupuncturist you should visit.

getting a massage

Proven by the Arthritis Foundation, patients suffering from severe arthritis pain can greatly benefit from massage. However, for this remedy to really affect patients, it will need to be massaged regularly. This can be done in a massage parlor where therapists specialize in arthritis pain, or in a chiropractor's office. Routine massages are great for relieving pain, reducing stiffness, and improving range of motion. Some physical therapists can teach you how to perform self-massage at home to help you between visits.

If none of the above remedies work, it may be ideal to consult a doctor about the types of medications you can take to remedy the problem with the fewest side effects. For more chronic cases, surgeries may also be required.