3 Sure Fire Ways To Help Your Arthritis
The degenerative condition, osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain and refers to a range of disorders that gradually cause the break down of the cartilage between joints, inflammation, and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that also attacks soft tissue throughout the body. While medication is important in the treatment of arthritis, there are other, more natural ways to supplement your care. Take a look at these sure fire ways to help your arthritis at home.
Go Hot And Cold
If you were to sprain your ankle, this acute injury may require a hot compress followed by a cold one, alternating for twenty minutes at a time. This eases swelling and inflammation, and can be a great natural painkiller. Arthritis is no different. While it is a more chronic condition, there will be days where your arthritis flares up to unmanageable levels causing stiffness and agonizing pain. When this occurs, it’s time to treat your condition like an acute injury. Get the hot water bottle out and use this alongside a cold pack to ease the inflammation and to give you some respite from the stiffness. You could also try a topical cream that contains capsicum, generating a feeling of warmth deeper into the tissues to ease any pain.
Opt For Antioxidant Rich Food
Antioxidants are well known for clearing toxins from the body and preventing their build-up. Think about adding turmeric to your food either by cooking up a few more curries or taking a turmeric capsule. Couple this with a high quality glucosamine supplement to help maintain higher levels of synovial fluid between your joints. This can prevent further friction and wearing down of cartilage.
When considering your diet, be more mindful of the food that you are putting into your body. Veer away from the fatty foods or those that are high in sugars. Swap the takeaways and junk food for healthier salads, grilled lean meat, and oily fish. These food groups will make you feel more alert, positive, and have a positive impact on your arthritis.
Massages
Deep tissue massages like shiatsu are great ways to give you short term relief from your arthritic pain. You can visit a qualified masseuse or choose to invest in an electronic shiatsu massager that you can strap to your chair or car seat to massage you on the go. Alongside an added heat function, the massager can help manage your joint pain, especially if you feel niggles and stiffness in your shoulders or lower back. For simple, soothing effects, massage with natural oils to allow you to relax a little more after a tense and stressful day. The indirect benefits of massage can be just as important as the direct benefits of your prescribed medication.
Arthritis is not something you can ever get rid of. It is a long term condition that can have a detrimental impact on your quality of life. However, by following this guide, you can discover new ways to manage your pain and stiffness by using natural strategies.