Arthritis - Get rid of this pain

Arthritis - Get rid of this pain

Arthritis is a term commonly used to describe many diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. There are different types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's joints.

The most common type is osteoarthritis. Symptoms may include pain, swelling in the joints, and stiffness that affects the range of motion in the joints. These symptoms can also be the same if you have rheumatoid arthritis, so it can get confusing. Other symptoms you may experience due to the first sentence above can include sleep loss, weight gain, and even gastrointestinal problems, often due to the medications you may be taking to treat the arthritis symptoms. Some things you can do to naturally relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness will also help relieve these secondary symptoms.

You must remember that diet has an important impact on your health. Weight gain can be a side effect of arthritis because pain can affect your activity level. That's why it's important that you try to stay active. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and limiting meat, grains, and dairy products can help. Food sensitivities can play a big role in arthritis. Therefore, pay attention to what your allergies are and what sensitivities can cause inflammation in your body. Of course, if your arthritis doesn't flare up too long after certain foods, you'll need to eliminate those foods.

Exercise helps reduce your weight gain and increases blood flow and flexibility in the muscles, strengthening them. However, the type of exercise is important because walking around and lifting weights will only serve to increase your pain. Exercise must be gentle to moderate, such as Tai Chi, water exercises such as hydrotherapy, aerobics or swimming. A heated pool will comfort the joints. Walking is also good, especially short walks throughout the day at times that suit you. Yoga is also great for joint mobility. However, consult a trained teacher, especially if your condition is severe.

Massage can be a great way to relieve pain and swelling. Try some aromatic oils to ease the pain. Some good suggestions are 2 drops each of ginger, juniper and black pepper added to 10ml of carrier oil such as grapeseed or jojoba. Gently massage around painful joints to relieve stiffness and inflammation. Alternatively, you can add 2 drops each of lavender, rosemary and chamomile to 10ml of carrier oil and massage into the painful area to relieve the pain. Also, a nice warm bath with Epsom salts, plain salt, and/or essential oils is calming and helps induce sleep.

There are also a number of herbs and spices that can help treat arthritis. Some of these include ginger root, turmeric and boswellia. Talk to your naturopath about which natural treatments would suit you. Don't just treat yourself through Google or the local health food store. Natural healthcare isn't just about buying a bottle of supplements off the shelf. It takes years of study to get it right.

Inspired by Jenetta Haim