Did you know that there are about one-hundred (100) different types of arthritis out there?
Having arthritis can be a hassle. The overwhelming excruciating tiredness that comes with arthritis seems like a solid wall that prevents you from accomplishing even the most basic chores. Even if you’re not doing anything yet, your body feels like it has finished a marathon.
Aside from medications, therapy, and surgical procedures, there are also known home remedies that can assist in treating osteoarthritis.
Here are five home remedies for Osteoarthritis:
1. Ice and Heat Packs
Many arthritis physicians recommend a combination of heat and cold therapies to help decrease inflammation and relieve arthritis pain and stiffness. Heat or cold treatment stimulates your body’s natural healing process. Heat, for example, dilates blood vessels, increases circulation, and lessens muscular spasms. Furthermore, heat changes pain perception.
On the other hand, cold compresses minimize edema by restricting blood vessels. While cold packs may be painful at first, they can relieve severe pain. It may take some “trial and error” to determine which therapy is most effective for your discomfort. But if you stick with it, you can find the appropriate combination of heat and cold packs to relieve pain and make arthritis management simpler.
2. Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt baths, especially for joint discomfort, can give all-over relief. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which may aid with inflammation and discomfort. According to a 2017 study, bathing in an Epsom salt bath for a lengthy period can boost magnesium levels. You may purchase Epsom salt from a pharmacy.
According to the Epsom Salt Council, these baths are safe to take as often as you’d want for 30 minutes at a time. When in a warm bath, you add up to 3 cups of Epsom salt.
3. Topical creams and ointments
As an alternative to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, you might wish to try topical formulations. Gels and creams may include aspirin or other pain medications that effectively treat pain. They can be immediately applied to the damaged joints. These products are suitable for places close to the skin’s surface, such as your knees.
Diclofenac (Voltaren), a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, is an example of such a gel (NSAID). Capsaicin is another topical home remedy. Capsaicin is a chemical found in spicy chilli peppers. According to a 2014 study, it works best when applied three to four times a day to sore joints. You should wash your hands after each usage to avoid accidental eye exposure.
4. Herbal remedies
Herbal therapies for osteoarthritis are becoming increasingly popular. Some individuals feel safer using them than standard drugs since they have fewer adverse effects. Consult your doctor about the natural therapies listed below. Herbal supplements that claim to be “natural” might have negative side effects and conflict with the drugs you’re taking. Always get supplements from a trusted retailer.
- Green Tea. Polyphenols are found in green tea. According to a review published in 2021, these substances may help reduce inflammation and the need for medicine. A tiny 2018 study found that green tea can aid with joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis, but further research is needed to confirm these findings. Green tea should be used in moderation due to the danger of liver issues and the negative effects of large doses.
- Ginger. Oral ginger has also been shown to help with osteoarthritis pain. According to a 2015 research, long-term ginger use may potentially reduce the likelihood of osteoarthritis-related pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests taking ginger as a spice rather than a supplement because of the possibility of negative effects.
To reap the advantages of ginger tea, learn how to make it.
The most serious side effect of a ginger overdose is withdrawal. Ginger can induce stomach distress, diarrhea, and heartburn in some people. Because it is an anticoagulant or blood thinner, it may interact with prescription drugs like warfarin. Before adding or increasing your ginger intake, consult your doctor.
- Turmeric and Curcumin. Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin. It’s related to ginger, but it can aid osteoarthritis in a variety of ways. Curcumin was found to delay disease development and relieve discomfort in rats with osteoarthritis in a 2016 research.
However, a 2017 evaluation of human clinical research did not come up with the same clear findings. More study is required to determine the effectiveness of these findings.
Because entire curcumin may be contaminated with lead, the Arthritis Foundation suggests utilizing curcumin extract if you wish to try turmeric as a natural therapy. Take 500 mg two times a day. Turmeric is typically harmless. However, it may produce nausea and interact with blood thinners.
5. Lifestyle Changes
If you want to do something that will make a difference for your health, start changing your lifestyle. Here are some things you can do:
- Staying Active. With sore joints, exercise might be tough. However, being active can help minimize discomfort over time and possibly improve muscles to avoid joint deterioration. The greatest exercises for osteoarthritis employ minimal resistance, enhance flexibility, include an aerobic component, and are low impact. Alternatives include:
- a) Biking
- b) Swimming
- c) Tai Chi
- d) Walking
- e) Yoga
- Eating Osteoarthritis-friendly Foods. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you lose weight and feel better. According to research, certain foods are particularly healthy for osteoarthritis. A Mediterranean diet, for instance, may help you eat the proper foods and avoid items that aggravate your symptoms.
Broccoli, spinach, lettuce, kale, and cabbage are high in vitamin K and have anti-inflammatory qualities, according to a small 2020 research.
Nuts and plant-based oils are other healthy meals to consume. Olive oil is one example from a 2018 review. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel, is another healthy option.
- Â Maintaining a good shape and healthy weight. Weight loss, according to the Arthritis Foundation, can help relieve joint discomfort and prevent osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight will help you avoid putting too much pressure on your joints and prevent discomfort and inflammation. This might be especially beneficial for patients who have pain in their knees and hips, which carry a lot of weight.
Takeaway
Home remedies aren’t meant to replace medical therapy completely, but they may be able to help you manage osteoarthritis pain with fewer side effects. In fact, according to a 2015 study, home and natural therapies can be quite helpful in preventing symptoms.
While such changes might have a significant impact, it’s critical to understand when to notify your doctor. If your symptoms worsen, you should immediately arrange an appointment with your doctor. If you want to join clinical trials for osteoarthritis, you can also do so to find new treatments and cures for this condition.