Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the two most common forms of arthritis, there are ways to reduce joint pain.
First, consult your doctor about the type of arthritis you have in case it can be cured, and then consider finding a physical therapist to guide you through a personalized treatment plan and who can help you through alternative treatments (hot/cold therapies, message…).
Then, exercise. Make sure that the exercise is within any physical limitations placed on you by age, other illnesses, and your arthritis; it should be tailored to your personal physical health needs.
Swimming and water aerobics are great as they place less stress on joints. Make sure that you’re gently moving within your range of motion throughout the day to avoid stiffness during inactive periods. Stretching and other things you can do at home may help your range of motion, as long as you go easy on your joints.
Sleep can also help reduce flare-ups, remember that regardless of age everyone needs at least 7-9 hours of sleep. If you have arthritis, more may be helpful. Stress reduction also helps to reduce inflammation (and therefore joint pain).
Capsaicin cream may help when applied topically, but test whatever cream you buy first as capsaicin oil is hard to rinse off and can burn your eyes, mouth, and other sensitive skin areas.
Make sure that you have lots of antioxidants in your diet (they reduce inflammation) from fruit, fish, and walnuts, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are the building blocks of cartilage. Arthritis Today has a list of other supplement ingredients that may benefit arthritis sufferers if you Click Here.
There are many different types of arthritis with different causes, but arthritis boils down to joint inflammation that causes joint pain. Often, the cartilage that cushions your joints also breaks down as a result (or cause) of arthritis; when cartilage breaks down the bones start to rub together, causing joint pain.
Causes  of arthritis include autoimmune disorders, injury to the joints, wear and tear with age, or wear and tear from a repetitive action that stresses the joint, or by infection. Being overweight can also cause wear on hip and knee joints that may lead to arthritis, or can worsen existing arthritis and joint pain.
Symptoms of Arthritis:
- Joint Pain
- Swelling (symptom of inflammation)
- Redness (symptom of inflammation, injury)
- Warmth (symptom of inflammation)
- Stiffness in a joint as severe as not being able to move it
- Can be worse in the morning, or if you don’t move the joint regularly.
- Deformity, if left untreated
Do you or a loved one suffer from Arthritis? What are your most common Flare-ups, and how do you avoid them?
