Recently my mother-in-law came to visit us. She’s in her 70s, robust and healthy, except for an ongoing pain from arthritis in her shoulders. The pain gets intense when she tries to extend her arms, which interferes with her daily activities. Even something as simple as putting on her bra in the morning has become a challenge. Perhaps you have a loved one who also suffers from arthritis pain, and like me, you’re trying to find ways to help make their life easier.
Arthritis is a medical condition, characterized by pain that is caused by inflammation in the joints. It is considered to fall in two general categories: osteo and rheumatoid. The former occurs when joint cartilage degrades, eventually resulting in the grating of bone on bone. The latter is the result of an autoimmune disorder that leads to inflamed synovial membranes in joints, which can in turn result in bone loss.
Many people are afflicted by arthritis, which can come with debilitating pain that severely impacts a person’s ability to live their lives. By doing so, the condition can also substantially lower affected individuals’ standards of living. According to everydayroots.com, however, there are many natural treatments out there that can help those who suffer from this affliction.
1. Teas
A number of natural anti-inflammatory and pain treatments are as simple as putting on a pot of tea. These include:
- Ginger and turmeric
- Dandelion leaves
- White willow
- Juniper berry
Consuming these teas regularly can help to reduce both pain and the underlying inflammation that causes arthritis.
2. Topical Treatments
There are also many naturally-derived topical treatments and soaks that can address arthritic pain. Magnesium packs and Epsom salt baths, for example, can provide relief by relaxing muscles and nerves. Rubbing olive oil into affected areas can also be helpful, as it reduces inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes. In addition, peppermint and eucalyptus oil mixes are great topical analgesics.
3. Dietary Changes
As many of the above items are edible or can be found in food, making certain dietary changes is a great way to reap anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits. You may want to try eating more magnesium-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, legumes and nuts. Incorporating cold-pressed olive oil into food is another good idea, although you should bear in mind that the olive oil must not be cooked, as heating destroys oleocanthal, the compound that reduces inflammation.
4. Exercise
Exercise can have huge benefits for those suffering from arthritis. Excess weight can be very burdensome on arthritic joints, and exercise can lubricate joints by warming up synovial fluid. Exercise does not have to be rigorous, but it does need to happen regularly. Try beginning with a short daily walk of whatever you can handle, then slowly building up to good routine.
While some of these natural remedies are great, it is important that you also listen to your body. If these remedies do not provide sufficient relief, it may be time to pursue a more conventional path and consult with a physician.
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