5 Ways to Naturally Treat Arthritis

While many may welcome the cooler temperatures of fall as we head into the autumn season, the changing temperatures could trigger joint pain and arthritis.  Arthritis refers to pain and inflammation of the joints and presents itself in two common ways.  Osteoarthritis (OA), is a degenerative condition in which symptoms worsen over time.  It is caused when cartilage breaks down, causing bones to rub together leading to damage and inflammation.  Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition characterized by flare-ups across the body due to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy joint tissue.  If you suffer from pain due to arthritis, these 5 natural treatments will bring you some relief.  

1. Hot & Cold Treatments

Heat and cold treatments can help to relieve inflammation in the joints, easing arthritis pain.  Heat treatments could include taking a long bath or shower to ease stiffness, or using an electric blanket or heating pad to provide additional warmth.  For arthritic finger joints, try doing the dishes by hand in warm water!  Cold treatments can also ease joint pain and swelling.  Try wrapping sore joints with an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables for quick relief.  Protect your skin by wrapping your cold compress in a towel. Never place it directly on your skin!

2. Exercise

Another great way to manage arthritis pain is to engage in regular exercising. While the thought of exercise might seem unpleasant when you are suffering from arthritis, it can in fact assist in keeping your joints flexible while strengthening the muscles surrounding your joints, offering more support.  Low-impact exercise options such as water aerobics and swimming are a great choice for keeping active to minimize arthritis pain.  

3. Healthy Diet

A healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole foods can help to boost both your immune system and your overall health, and can be beneficial to those with both OA and RA.  Plant-based foods provide antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.  Fish such as salmon are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are also excellent at soothing joint pain. A diet heavy with red meat, processed foods, saturated fats, or added sugar and salt could aggravate inflammation, as well as trigger other health conditions.  Try increasing your portions of fresh ingredients and antioxidant rich foods in your diet to relieve pain… and improve your overall health!

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese medical treatment involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, may also work to relieve arthritis pain.  By stimulating specific points in the body, acupuncture reroutes energies within the body and restores balance in the body.  If you are considering acupuncture treatment, ensure you are being treated by a certified acupuncturist for the best results.

5. Herbs and Spices

Certain herbs and spices can reduce inflammation and help reduce arthritis pain.  Turmeric, a common spice, contains a compound called curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Ingesting small amounts of turmeric could help reduce joint pain and inflammation from arthritis.  Other herbal supplements can reduce joint pain, including chamomile, ginger, stinging nettle and boswellia.  

If you suffer from arthritis pain, natural remedies can bring you some relief. Always be sure to consult with your naturopath before you start any treatments. Dr. Cecilia Ho provides expert naturopathic advice to the Pickering and surrounding regions. Call 905-492-8688 to book your complimentary 15-minute session today!