Millions of people suffer from the various forms of arthritis.  So many, that once you mention you have it, you’ll be getting advice from everyone!  Everybody has an arthritis remedy that may or may not work.  You may find some arthritis relief from the pain-relieving prescriptions your doctor gives you.  You may find that over-the-counter medicine works well for you.  Those don’t have to be the only options, though.  There are many natural remedies for arthritis that may be just the ticket to getting around like your old self again.

The Causes And Symptoms of Arthritis

Causes of Arthritis

To be able to get to the bottom of any problem, you must first know what you’re dealing with.  Arthritis is generally caused by the wearing away of your joint’s cartilage over time.  This cartilage acts as a shock-absorber, shielding your joints during motion.  Over time, the gel-like cartilage wears away, causing painful bone to bone contact every time you move.  Ouch!  The most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis, can occur at any age, but usually waits to rear it’s ugly head after we hit 45.

Symptoms of Arthritis

It’s usually pretty easy to tell when your joints are feeling arthritic.  Maybe you’re not hopping out of bed quite as quickly as you once did.  Perhaps you find that arthritis has attacked your hands and they are no longer nimble.  The most common symptoms of arthritis are swollen joints that are painfully stiff.  However, with rheumatoid arthritis,  a more serious form of arthritis, in addition to the painful, stiff joints, you may also experience fatigue, poor circulation, eye problems and anemia.

Arthritis-Natural Remedies

For Arthritis Pain Relief

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Taken together, these supplements can be very effective for people suffering with mild to moderate arthritis.  Why’s it work?  There are natural components in the supplements that will not only reduce pain, but slow the loss of cartilage.

Ginger

Ginger is known for its ability to relieve arthritis pain.  Start taking a ½ teaspoon of powdered ginger (or 6 teaspoons of fresh) every day.  Why’s it work?  Studies have shown that ginger increase blood circulation, which in turn moves the chemicals that cause inflammation away from the pained joints.

SAM-e

SAM-e is present in every single living cell in the body, but unfortunately, as we age, production in the body goes down.  Its role is critical in cartilage formation, which is why when our bodies slow production, our joints start to become stiff.  Start off by taking 800 milligrams a day.  If after 2 weeks, you are getting results, reduce the dose to 400 milligrams.  SAM-e has no known side effects and seems to be safe when taken with all prescription drugs.

Heat It Up

For significant, fast-acting, arthritis pain relief, apply heat.  Whether it’s heating pads or hot water bottles, using heat for 20 minutes will lessen the swelling and stiffness of those painful joints.

Cool It Down

Though it may seem contradictory, applying a cold treatment could very well be just as effective as applying heat to inflamed, swollen joints.

Oil It Up

By eating just a serving or two of cold water fish a week, many people have gotten significant arthritis relief.  Why’s it work?  Cold water fish, such as Salmon, contain Omega-3 fatty acids.  These substances are known to lessen pain and stiffness and also discourage inflammation.

Hate fish?  Take 2,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in capsule form 3 times a day.  Although safe for most, if you are on blood-thinning drugs, please run this supplement by your doctor first.

Don’t want to take fish oil?  Try flax seed oil instead.  You’ll receive the same benefits if you take a tablespoon a day.

Rub It In

Capsaicin creams are effective and can be found at your local drugstore or even grocery.  Why’s it work?  Capsaicin is the component of hot peppers that makes them hot.  Believe it or not, this remedy works by irritating your nerve endings, causing your brain to take the attention away from your arthritis pain.  Give this remedy a week or two to decide if it works for you.

Get The Forecast

It is commonly known that arthritis symptoms can be aggravated by changes in the weather.  That’s because sudden pressure drops or increasing humidity, will affect the way the blood flows to your joints.  Next time a storm is heading your way, try this:  Turn on your air conditioner to dry out the air.  If you have a dehumidifier, that works great, too.

When To Call The Doctor

If you’ve never been diagnosed with arthritis, you may want to see your doctor, if only to find out what specific type of arthritis you have.  Another good reason to go in for a visit is that the symptoms of arthritis can mimic other conditions, as well.

If you already know that you have arthritis, then please see the doctor, if you notice any new types of swelling in your joints.