Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that affects people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. It’s common among people who are active in sports. It can be caused by injury, genetics, daily life’s wear and tear, or infection.
Usually, arthritis alleviates itself, but when it doesn’t, it’s classified as chronic arthritis. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, the most common of which is Osteoarthritis.
Regardless of whether you experience temporary or chronic arthritis, the pain and reduced movement caused by it, can be challenging to deal with.
Symptoms
Arthritis is marked by these symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Reduced mobility in the affected joint
- Skin redness around the joint
- Stiffness, especially after periods of rest
- Warmth or heat around the joint
Lifestyle Changes
There are many recommended lifestyle adjustments that can help manage arthritis, including:
- Low-impact exercise such as swimming or water therapy
- Yoga or pilates for flexibility
- Strength training for stronger muscles
- Massage to improve circulation in muscles and joints
- Splints, supports or orthotics when participating in exercise or engaging in daily activities
- Avoid staying in the same position for extended periods of time
- Avoid movement that places extra strain on the affected areas
Healing Options
There are natural solutions to help people with arthritis.
- Application of heat or ice to the effected area.
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables loaded with Vitamin E
- Eat foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, Winter squash, and walnuts.
- Herbs that are anti-inflammatory in nature can help heal arthritis. These herbs include:
- Meadowsweet
- Peppermint
- Wintergreen
- Birch
- White and Black Willow Bark
- Balm of Gilead
Other herbs known to help with arthritis are:
- Devil’s Claw
- Boswellia (Frankincense)
- Uva Ursi
- Mullein leaves
- Saffron
- Cayenne pepper
- Feverfew
- Guaiac wood
- Organic sulfur, commonly called MSM Sulfur
- Noni juice
Apply a healing salve directly on the problem areas made from:
- a base butter or oil such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut, olive, or almond oil (or any other good oil)
- add 10-15 drops of the following essential oils:
- Peppermint
- Clove
- Wintergreen
- Eucalyptus
- Birch
- Spearmint
Magnet therapy helps make the problem area alkaline. It also enhances circulation to the area, which promotes healing.
Medical Care
Over-the-counter or prescription medications as well as surgery may be recommended by a doctor. These treatments can have side effects, and offer no guarantee of recovery or cure. If you choose to pursue medical treatment for arthritis, talk with your doctor extensively about the benefits and dangers that may result.
Prevention
Arthritis or its symptoms may be prevented by:
- Avoiding repeated motions for joints – even something as “innocent” as playing video games for hours at a time can cause arthritis later in life.
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 fatty acids.
- Know your family history. If arthritis runs in your family, the sooner you work toward prevention, the longer you may be able to live without it.
