5 Natural ways to relieve arthritis pain

Arthritis pain can be debilitating, and as with any chronic pain, the search for relief can last years. A joint disease that causes swelling and pain in joints, arthritis has no cure and treatment involves pain medication, exercise, weight reduction, and surgery.

When searching for new answers, those suffering from arthritis may find relief by trying natural practices and exploring new lifestyle habits.

While the disease has physical consequences, thinking about the disease in the larger context of general wellness opens the door to more treatment options.

An obesity epidemic has gripped America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 40% of Americans are clinically obese.

Carrying extra weight increases the risk for many health problems and arthritis counts among them. Extra pounds cause joints to carry more load and work harder, increasing inflammation and pain. If you’re struggling with weight, talk to your doctor or Care Team about how to safely lose pounds.

Pain changes emotions, causing an endless cycle of anxiety and depression which in turn can cause more distress or pain. Instead of focusing just on the physical pain, think about the mind and ways to relieve overall stress.  Meditation, yoga, and tai chi are all ideal for exploring new relaxation techniques as well as gently stretching the body.

While not clinical treatment, massage offers multiple benefits including increased blood flow and temporary pain relief.

Changing thoughts or learning how to calm the mind can open new possibilities for feeling better. Many therapies like hypnosis and biofeedback or other behavioral techniques can help identify problematic behaviors.

Rest, sleep, exercise, and good nutrition go a long way when trying to heal or keep a balanced sense of wellness. Take stock of daily activities. Are you getting enough rest during a busy day? Is it time for an overdue wellness check? Talk to your doctor if you’re looking for new information or concerned about other health routines or habits that could use some improvement.

A hot bath can be just a bath, or it can be treated like a ritual. Filled with Epsom salts or essential oils, a bath can be both medicinal and practical. Heat and warmth help arthritis by increasing blood flow. Heating pads and blankets can also calm pain and warm joints.  Likewise, a cold pack can help ease flare ups due to exercise or overuse.

When exploring alternative therapies or considering a new diet, talk to your doctor about the risks for your personal situation. Combined with proven treatment techniques, natural ways to relieve arthritis pain can open new possibilities to conquering pain and living better.

Related articles:

• How to know if you have arthritis
• 5 easy exercises for arthritis

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your health care provider before beginning any new fitness or dietary plan. References provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Should you have any health-related questions, you should contact your health care provider.

Sources:

• 9 Ways to Get Relief from Arthritis Pain Naturally (healthline.com)
• 6 Ways to Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammation (aarp.org)