The Best Natural Remedies for Arthritis Pain

Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with arthritis. In fact, approximately 15 million Americans suffer from severe joint pain brought on by arthritis every year.

If you’re part of this group and want to find relief from your pain but don’t necessarily want to take traditional painkillers, you’re in luck. Listed below are some of the best natural remedies for arthritis pain.

Hot-Cold Therapy

One of the simplest, yet most effective ways that you can treat your joint pain is to simply alternate between hot and cold treatments.

Apply ice packs to your sore joints for about twenty minutes, then switch to a heating pad or take a warm bath. The ice will help relieve pain and swelling, and the heat will loosen up the joints and promote better circulation.

Nutritional Supplements

There are many different arthritis supplements out there that can help you naturally relieve your pain. Some of the most effective options include:

• Fish oil supplements
• Gamma-linolenic acid supplements (evening primrose, hemp, borage)
• Turmeric
• Boswellia
• Bromelain
• Ginkgo biloba
• Devil’s claw
• Stinging nettle

Acupuncture

Sticking needles into your skin might not seem like a good idea for pain, but many people with arthritis swear by acupuncture. The needles are very thin, and, most of the time, you don’t feel anything when they’re inserted.

Acupuncture is believed to be effective because it improves energy flow throughout the body and eliminates blockages that could be causing pain.

Acupuncture also helps promote relaxation and better sleep, both of which can help minimize your pain.

Meditation

Meditation is another technique that can help you relax and cope with your stress better. Reducing stress can reduce inflammation, which may help reduce your overall pain. Meditation can also help with depression and anxiety associated with chronic joint pain.

Massage

Many people who struggle with arthritis-related joint pain can also benefit from regular massages. Massage helps loosen up stiff muscles and promotes healthy blood flow. This, in turn, minimizes swelling and inflammation.

To see the greatest benefits of massage, it’s generally best to get them regular and treat them as a maintenance or preventative tool. If you wait until you’re already in a lot of pain, it may take longer for you to notice a change.

Be sure to look for a massage therapist who has experience working with people who suffer from arthritis, too.

This article was provided by James Fleming of Vivehealth and is being posted by A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad) for our readers information.