Your joints are stiff and throbbing and making dinner for your family suddenly becomes a bigger challenge. A game of catch with your son? Forget it. Even gripping the steering wheel to go to an appointment is a literal pain.
You’ve been told by your doctor you have arthritis, and you assume this pain is just how it is from now on. However, there are actually several methods of arthritis pain relief that don’t require a prescription or over the counter (OTC) drugs. In fact, many of these OTC medications have side effects when used regularly, such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and even kidney issues.
There are lifestyle changes you can make such as becoming more active, controlling your weight and changing your diet that can have a positive impact on your arthritis discomfort There are also many products on the market that can provide quick relief from pain and inflammation.
To find out ways to relieve joint pains at home and work, read on…
You may have heard of this as a way to relax after a long day, but it can also help relieve pain if you suffer from arthritis. The magnesium and other contents of Epsom Salts can be absorbed directly through your skin to help to reduce inflammation, as well as relax tense muscles.
This one may seem a bit counterintuitive, as movement may be limited due to pain. However, staying stationary for too long can also worsen your condition.
Swimming is one easy way to get exercise without much impact on your joints. But if a pool isn’t nearby, you can simply go for a walk. You don’t have to push yourself, just go at a comfortable pace. In fact, pushing yourself too hard can actually add to the problem.
Other low-impact exercises that are popular for people suffering from arthritis include yoga, Tai Chi, and cycling.
If you have a job that requires a lot of repetition such as clicking a mouse or packaging products on an assembly line, then you’ll want to give yourself a break every now and then. Even if it’s a hobby like knitting, you’ll want to pause for recovery time once in a while. (However, knitting is actually a way to increase flexibility in your fingers.)
You can also work in some simple stretches to help ease discomfort during the breaks, and the best part is you don’t have to leave your workstation to do them. Set a timer if you have to remind yourself to take periodic breaks throughout your day.
A warm shower or bath (with or without the Epsom Salts) in the morning can help alleviate symptoms for the short-term. Heat is typically applied to joints that feel stiff.
Meanwhile, you can also apply an ice pack to joints that are inflamed and painful. This method can provide quick relief without the need for over-the-counter painkillers.
If the thought of placing tiny needles in your body freaks you out, then you’re looking at it the wrong way. In fact, acupuncture is relatively painless (especially compared to arthritis) when done properly.
You may not think acupuncture is a real way to treat health problems, but science may disagree with you.
Your brain may have been trained to try and reduce fat in your diet, but many of them are essential to your health and can help relieve inflammation.
In particular, you should try to add more Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. These fats can be found in many types of fish, as well as some nuts and seeds and other sources.
If you have dietary restrictions, you can probably also find Omega-3 supplements at your local supermarket or drugstore.
The added bonus of getting Omega 3 is increased brain and heart health, as well as a lowered risk of diabetes. It can also be helpful to treat Type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes.
Getting a massage is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, but you may not know it’s also effective for treating pain associated with arthritis.
In fact, a study shows that a weekly massage for an hour can reduce swelling and help people with osteoarthritis of the knees move around more easily. The key is the pressure offered through massage, which has proved more effective than a light-touch therapy.
However, the amount of pressure needed to provide relief from arthritis can vary from case to case.
Vitamin D can be elusive, especially if you live in an area that doesn’t get much year-round sunlight that delivers it. Fish also contains high levels of the vitamin, but it may not be part of your diet.
Getting an adequate amount of vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium more easily, which helps maintain stronger bones and joint health. Luckily, you can find vitamin D supplements over the counter.
Omega 3 and vitamin D have already been mentioned as supplements that can help relieve arthritis pain, but there are some herbs that you may not have considered yet.
For example, herbs that have been shown to provide some arthritis relief (thanks to anti-inflammatory properties) include ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, and even black pepper. Some of these are herbs and spices you can also find as supplements, or easily include in your meals without a big expense.
If you live with arthritis like more than 350 million people in the world including children, then there are simple arthritis remedies you can turn to on top of any medical care you receive.
Whether you have osteoarthritis caused by degeneration of joints from prolonged use or rheumatoid arthritis from an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation, you don’t need to suffer any longer!
Contact us today to find out what products and supplements can provide the most effective arthritis pain relief, so you can go back to living your best life.