If you’re overwhelmed by osteoarthritis pain, you may find relief in these natural remedies. You don’t have to look any further than your own home to get lasting and soothing care for your joint pain. We’ve put together a list of 10 home remedies so that you can take back control of your joint pain.
How can I prevent osteoarthritis?
While there’s no one way to prevent osteoarthritis, it’s a good idea to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. This includes exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. You should also try to lose any excess weight, which can put extra pressure on your joints. If you smoke and drink, try to quit or limit consumption. In addition, controlling your blood sugar can prevent your joints from becoming stiff and sensitive.
Moreover, you should listen to your body. If you’re recovering from an injury, don’t push it too hard or you could develop arthritis. This happens because your joints aren’t as well protected. You should also manage your stress, which can cause physical inflammation as well.
Home remedies for osteoarthritis
While these prevention tips will help arthritis stay away, joint pain can and will occur. If you’re trying to manage your pain symptoms, we’ve come up with 10 great natural solutions. As studies show, self-care is an effective way to manage your pain and prevent symptoms from reoccurring.
1. Take a hot bath
Hot baths are a great way to get quick pain relief. Hot water helps soothe joints and relax muscles. In addition, you can add epsom salts or essential oils to your bath to receive their healing properties as well. Experts even recommend hand-washing dishes to enjoy the hot water on your hands.
2. Stay active
When your joints get stiff and swollen, it’s important that you continue moving them. By staying active, you can make sure your joints move and stay fluid during the day. Exercise also has a significant role in pain reduction and it can also help build muscle. It’s best to follow a regular workout plan. Many arthritis patients opt for low-impact exercises such as swimming or walking. Remember that before any physical activity, you should do warm-up exercises to get your muscles moving!
3. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet
Your diet has a big impact on your pain. It’s a good idea to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. This means lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains and olive oil. You should also try to avoid processed foods, which contain unhealthy compounds like MSG. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods include leafy greens, cold-water fish, avocados and beans. Overall, you should try to get lots of omega-3, antioxidants, fiber and calcium.
4. Try arthritis supplements
New research supports the use of certain supplements for arthritis pain. The Arthritis Fountain recommends a handful of proven supplements, including capsaicin, ASU, cat’s claw, omega-3 and ginger. Check out these supplements to get quick and natural pain relief. In addition, white willow bark is another great supplement for any aches and pains.
5. Spice up your food with ginger and turmeric
Ginger and turmeric aren’t just delicious, they’re also great for pain. Both ginger and turmeric are known to reduce joint swelling and improve joint function. They’re great anti-inflammatories that can be easily introduced into your meals. Forget the salt – turmeric will make your meal flavorful and pain-free.
6. Relax with essential oils
Essential oils are another great route for all-natural pain relief. Essential oils including lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and frankincense have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. Try inhaling one for 40 minutes during your daily commute, or add a few drops to your next hot bath. Essential oils, such as rue oils, will relax your muscles and make your pain go away.
7. Drink green tea
Green tea is another amazing natural compound that can soothe your body and mind. It’s got known anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidants to keep your immune system running smoothly. Have a cup to get relaxing relief, especially when you feel achy joints.
8. Sign up for Tai Chi
Tai Chi has been studied for its all-body, slow-motion movements that promote joint health. It’s a great low-impact exercise for all ages. Sign up for a Tai Chi class to see the benefits, which include pain relief, joint health, muscular strength, balance and flexibility.
9. Stay positive
Your mood makes a big difference for your pain. It’s important to stay connected with friends and family, do activities to promote relaxation and happiness, and try to avoid feelings of loneliness. Find ways to stay social and positive even with your joint pain.
10. Get massage therapy
Finally, if you’re suffering from joint pain, you may consider trying massage therapy. A professional massage therapist can relax your muscles, promote healing and release tension, all while restoring position. You’ll feel great and your muscles will be ready to better support your joints.
We hope these 10 home remedies will help your joints stay pain-free!
Works Cited
“9 Supplements for Arthritis.” Www.arthritis.org, www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/9-supplements-arthritis-5.php.
“Anti-Inflammatory Diet.” Www.arthritis.org, www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory-diet.php.
Devos-Comby, Loraine, et al. “Do Exercise and Self-Management Interventions Benefit Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee? A Metaanalytic Review.” The Journal of Rheumatology, The Journal of Rheumatology, 1 Apr. 2006, www.jrheum.org/content/33/4/744.short.
Mazzuca, Steven A., et al. “Reduced Utilization and Cost of Primary Care Clinic Visits Resulting from Self‐Care Education for Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee.” Arthritis & Rheumatism, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 26 Apr. 2001, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1529-0131(199906)42:6<1267::AID-ANR25>3.0.CO;2-E.
“Osteoarthritis: 10 Tips for Self-Care at Home.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis-10-tips#2.
Rath, Linda. “Osteoarthritis Prevention: What You Can Do.” Www.arthritis.org, www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/osteoarthritis/articles/oa-prevention.php.
Wu, Vivienne, et al. “Effects of an Osteoarthritis Self‐Management Programme.” Journal of Advanced Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd (10.1111), 6 Mar. 2011, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05603.x.
