Management of arthritis and treatment without medication

Management of arthritis and treatment without medication

The pain of arthritis is debilitating if not treated properly. The disease is caused by joints filling with synovial fluid that leaks behind a membrane as a result of an injury. This is a straw-colored fluid that reduces friction between articular cartilages of the synovial joints during movement. It is normally contained in joint cavities, but crystallization of the normally viscous fluid can prevent joint movement, causing pain from inflammation.

This is a very simple and basic explanation without the medical jargon that many may not understand. What we are doing here is simply clarifying the cause of arthritic pain. Joints usually take on a yellowish color while the pain is caused by the fluid itself. Inflammation of the area increases pain significantly.

Sufferers are usually prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to reduce stress. However, diet should be an important concern as it has a lot to do with it. Foods that cause inflammation include things like milk, refined flour (used in cakes, dough, scones, pancakes, bread, etc.), starches like pudding and cornmeal, and a ton of other things. Avoid anything that contains flour or starch.

Exercise is also important to keep your joints flexible. Walking and running are popular forms of exercise, but gardening and anything that gets the body moving is good. For older people, they may lean against a chair and push back on limbs while holding the back of the chair or leaning against a wall.

The old adage “use it or lose it” is good to remember, as it is difficult to restore mobility to joints once they are sealed.

Inspired by Norma Holt