Arthritis affects millions around the globe. The primary symptom of arthritis is joint pain and swelling.
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, many treatments are available to manage the symptoms , including pain medications, corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Because of the risks and side-effects associated with these treatments, many people are now looking at other options.
Seven other proven remedies for arthritis may relieve symptoms without medication.
Plant-Based Diet
Eating meat can worsen joint inflammation.
You can develop arthritis if you eat a lot of red meat, especially if it is processed (such as hotdogs, sausages and deli meats).
Plant-based diets , on the other hand, are associated with reduced arthritis risk and improved health outcomes.
Try reducing or eliminating meat from your diet if you suffer from arthritis. Make plant-based foods your foundation. This includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and nuts and seeds.
Lose Weight
Excess weight can cause inflammation and pain in your joints .
Weight loss of even a small amount can have a dramatic impact on your symptoms. Each pound of weight adds about three pounds of pressure to our joints. Weight loss of 10 pounds can release over 30 pounds from your joints.
Hydrotherapy
People with arthritis should exercise, but they may find it difficult to do so if their joints are inflamed and painful.
Exercises with high impact, such as weightlifting and running, can be difficult on the joints. People who suffer from arthritis might want to consider something else. Exercise in the water can be a good option.
Water’s resistance and buoyancy help build strength. Water therapy and aquatic exercises can help you improve your range-of-motion without putting excessive stress on your joints.
Massage Therapy
Massage is a great way to reduce pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.
Massage therapists can target pain and inflammation using different techniques. Massage therapy can also improve circulation and joint flexibility.
It’s not clear how long massage effects last, or whether routine massages provide benefits beyond the first few weeks .
Many people with arthritis benefit from massage therapy. They receive it regularly.
Hot Cold Therapy
Although heat and cold can have different effects on your body, both can be used to manage arthritis pain.
Heat therapy can help relax muscles and reduce stiffness and pain. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and swelling by numbing the area.
Alternate between cold and hot therapy, or choose the one that provides you with the most relief.
Mindfulness Meditation
Physical discomfort and psychological distress are often linked.
As the pain worsens, it can cause stress, anxiety and depression. These negative mental states can also make pain seem worse.
Here is where mindfulness mediation comes in. By giving you the tools to handle difficult emotions, mindfulness helps you break the cycle.
Bring your attention to the breathing when you feel pain. Breathe slowly and completely, inhaling and exhaling. It won’t make your pain disappear, but you will feel less overwhelmed.
Try to separate the physical pain sensation from the emotional suffering. You may feel pain, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer.
Yoga
Yoga is considered a form of moving meditation. It is a combination of low-impact stretching, strengthening exercises and deep breathing.
It can help you improve both your physical and mental health. Yoga can improve joint flexibility and strength while reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Talk to your doctor if you have arthritis about diet and lifestyle changes that can be incorporated into your treatment plan.
