Natural Cures For Osteoarthritis
Your active lifestyle or family tree could be to blame for the pain in your joints. You could be suffering from symptoms of a degenerative condition called osteoarthritis. There are ways to slow down the progression and enhance your quality of life, such as learning more about natural cures for osteoarthritis.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis) is the most common form of arthritis. The condition is characterized by a wearing down of the cartilage around the joints. While osteoarthritis can strike any joint in your body, the most commonly affected joints include the hands, hips, knees, neck, and lower back. Pain relief and helping a patient remain active are the most popular approaches for treatment of osteoarthritis since there is currently no cure for the condition. Symptoms will continue to worsen with time [1].
Causes and Symptoms
The wearing down of cartilage (the cushioning between the bones) associated with the joints is the cause of osteoarthritis symptoms. In many cases, the exact cause that sparks osteoarthritis is not known, but aging does play an important role in the development of the condition. The symptoms develop over time, and as they worsen, the cartilage disappears altogether and causes bones to rub against other bones. Patients also experience ligaments and muscles around the joint that loosen and become weaker.
Factors that contribute to an osteoarthritis diagnosis include:
• Being overweight
• A family history of the disease
• Previous fractures and other joint injuries
• Long-term overuse from work or playing sports
• Bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia)
• Disorders that lessen the blood supply near a joint
• Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms include joint pain that deeply aches, joints that grate while in motion, swollen joints, limited movement, increased pain during humid or moist weather, and weak muscles around arthritic joints. Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually emerge when a patient is middle aged with the majority of people showing signs by the age of 70. They tend to worsen after exercise or with weight gain. There are some people that do not show any symptoms.
Osteoarthritis Natural Cures
To treat a case of osteoarthritis, your main objective should be to relieve pain, increase the strength in joints, encourage joint movement, and reduce the disabling effects of the disease. Depending on the affected joints, the following natural cures for osteoarthritis can help:
a) Ginger:
With the power to reduce inflammation, consuming four grams of dried ginger root on a daily basis can release the properties that help fight osteoarthritis. Another way to get your fill of ginger for osteoarthritis – drink a couple cups of ginger tea per day.
b) Turmeric Extract:
Try taking 500 milligrams of turmeric extract (one to three times daily) to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. According to a study conducted in 2010, the remedy possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
c) Vitamin B3:
With the ability to treat joint immobility, inflammation and pain, consider taking a form of vitamin B3 called niacinamide.
d) Vitamin E:
Osteoarthritis patients may respond to doses of vitamin E supplements, which can relieve pain, enhance joint mobility, and improve walking. A suggested dose is 600 milligrams daily. You may also rub in vitamin E oil into joints to fight early morning pain.
e) Eucalyptus:
Add eucalyptus to water and create a mixture that is then applied to affected joints.
f) Herbal Blend:
Add equal amounts of sage, rosemary, mint and thyme to one liter of water. Boil the ingredients to make a tea that helps controls the symptoms of your arthritis. Drink one cup of the tea at a time.
g) Vitamin C:
When taken with other antioxidants, vitamin C reportedly helps osteoarthritis patients.
h) Fish Oil:
Some types of fish possess oils known to fight inflammation, which could become a beneficial treatment for osteoarthritis patients. Seek out fish oils in capsule form or make it a habit to add fish to your diet.
i) Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
While taking a supplement is one of the best ways to get your fill of vitamins and minerals, you can still fight inflammation and boost your immune system by adding foods with omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Options high in omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, sardines, flaxseeds, baked halibut, cooked soybeans, and boiled shrimp.
j) Epsom Salt:
A naturally occurring mineral called Epsom salt (or magnesium sulfate) can be used to soothe achy muscles and joints associated with osteoarthritis. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for ½ hour. The Epsom salt can fight inflammation, improve circulation, and encourage healing of the body.
k) Shea Extract:
Shea extract has a reputation for decreasing inflammation and lessening the destruction of collagen associated with osteoarthritis.
l) Pineapple:
Components in pineapple can help treat inflammation throughout the body by lessening the severity of swelling associated with osteoarthritis. Eat fresh pineapple every day to fight inflammation and pain.
m) Glucosamine Hydrochloride:
You can take extracts and natural supplements to enhance the health of the cartilage around your joints. Glucosamine supplements have also been linked to pain reduction and improved mobility. A suggested dose for this natural remedy is 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine.
n) Devil’s Claw:
Take a Devil’s Claw supplement on a daily basis to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. The African fruit has a reputation for calming pain, decreasing inflammation, and increasing joint mobility. A recommended dose is around 4,000 milligrams per day. A lot of patients will start with 1,500 milligrams to allow their body to adjust.
o) Acupuncture:
According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture can be effective in treating osteoarthritis. The practice involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into acupoints located all over the body – in an attempt to rebalance the flow of energy in the body. Studies have shown that acupuncture releases natural substances (such as endorphins and serotonin) in the body that relieves pain.
p) Chondroitin Sulfate:
This natural substance has been known to support and heal the cartilage affected by osteoarthritis. Consider taking 1,200 milligrams of a chondroitin supplement to treat osteoarthritis symptoms.
q) White Willow Bark:
When in a powdered form, you can take white willow bark capsules to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. Some people will also drink white willow bark tea as a supplement to their treatment. To make the tea, add one to two teaspoons of dried bark to water for about 10 minutes. Allow the herb to soak for 30 minutes before straining, and then drinking.
r) Cayenne Extract:
To treat osteoarthritis symptoms, you may use a topical cream containing cayenne extract (with between 0.025 and 0.075% purified capsaicin). Apply the remedy two to four times per day for a period of between two weeks and one month.
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