I know how painful it is for most of us to see our parents suffer from arthritis at a stage of life when they deserve to enjoy life backstage, after life long duties and responsibilities. It is a common health disorder and is very common among elderly people, specially among women. Arthritis is not a single disease and it covers more than 100 medical conditions out of which osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as the most common.
It is accompanied by joint pains and limited movement of the affected organ. It is caused by the inflammation of one or more joints resulting from injuries or infections, genetic factors, malnutrition and wear and tear of the cartilages of our joints. One thing worth mentioning is that there is no permanent cure for arthritis. However, there are several treatment options available to manage pain and prevent it from elevating further.
Ways To Cure For Arthritis
The natural remedies suggested below are a blend of proper diet, exercise and correction in lifestyle.
A.Diet
Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties should be incorporated in the diet as it helps in combating joint pain. Further, it is better to avoid those foods which may increase the inflammation.
Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have the ability to reduce inflammation. However, the body cannot produce it but can be easily acquirde through certain food. Some natural substances are produced by our body with the help of Polyunsaturated fatty acids and the right balance of these substances helps in keeping inflammation under check.
The side effect associated with Omega-3 is mainly indigestion. Therefore, its consumption should be moderate. The dose can also be divided into three or more smaller ones. Sea food like salmon, trot fish, herring, mackerel , sardines, oysters, etc are rich sources of Omega-3. Vegetarian people can rely on flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are of two types, beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, and according to a study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, they have the ability to reduce inflammation in arthritis patients by 40% and 20% respectively.
They are very rich in antioxidants which are easily available in a wide variety of vegetables like red peppers, pumpkins, carrots, corn and spinach and also in some fruits like oranges, papaya and apricots.
Vitamins
Intake of vitamins in moderation wards off inflammatory pain.
Vitamin C
It not only produces collagen which is an important component of cartilage but also helps in flushing out free radicals from the body.
Source: http://www.mymedicalfeedback.com/library/vitamin-c-and-its-effect/
It is abundantly found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemon, grapes and pineapples, and also in other fruits like guava and apple. Indian Gooseberry(Amla) can also be consumed as Vitamin C contents in one single fruit is twenty times more than that found in an apple. They are also found in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and bell peppers.
Vitamin D
Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. It is also available in dairy products like milk, cheese, cream and yoghurt.
Vitamin E
Although the effects of vitamin E are limited in comparision to Vitamin C and D, they are powerful antioxidants and helps in removing free radicals from the body.
Calcium
Calcium makes our bones strong. Since it is a major component present in our bones and joints, its deficiency is mostly likely to cause arthritis, especially in women. It is available in dairy products like low fat yoghurt, milk, cheese, etc and also in leafy vegetables, cereals and breads.
For best results, it should be taken alongwith vitamin D, which helps in absorbing calcium. However, women need more amount of calcium as compared to men. However,excess of calcium intake can be harmful for the body, particularly the kidneys. It may also hamper the absorption of other essential minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium.
Arjun Oil
Oil made from Arjun tree’s bark helps in strengthening the body’s rejuvenating process. It also has antibacterial as well as antimutagenic properties and is rich in calcium salts, magnesium salts, tannins, and saponin glycosides. It is found in India and Srilanka. Arjun oil needs to be applied externally, over the affected area.
Olive Oil
Extra-virgin Olive oil contains a substance called oleocanthal which has got both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
About 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil is equivalent to one-tenth of a dose of ibuprofen, as confirmed by a study at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. However, since olive oil contains calories, it should be taken in moderation. About two tablespoons of oil in salads and breads, will be good enough for a day.
Aloe
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, aloe vera can reduce inflammation in joints caused by arthritis. It contains high amount of glucosamine which is an essential element used to treat arthritis and is naturally present in our cartilage. Aloe juice applied directly over the effected area provides great relief from pain. Two teaspoons of aloe juice taken daily reduces inflammation gradually.
Also Read
Selecting Food To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Best 5 Exercises For Arthritis
Essential Vitamins To Treat Arthritis
Simple Herbal Remedies For Arthritis
Nutritional Foods And Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Turmeric
Turmeric is a srong antioxidant that has anti–inflammatory properties and its effects are certainly stronger than drugs in relieving pain. It can be extensively used in cooked food which also kills the bacteria present in vegetables.
A glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric power added to it gives relief from body ache. A pack made by mixing turmeric paste or powder with slack lime powder(calcium hydroxide or chuna) and heated in medium flame, if applied on the swollen area just works wonder.
Food To avoid
Food that is likely to cause inflammation should be strictly avoided. Fried Foods, food high on saturated and trans fats, refined carbohydrates and sweetened food should be avoided.
B. Exercise
Exercise and physical activities forms an integral part of arthritis treatment. It helps in maintaining body weight excess of which is otherwise likely to worsen the symptoms of arthritis. The activities may include low impact aerobic exercises and yoga for joint pains, and regular walks.
However, yoga and exercises other than walking and jogging should be initially started under the supervision of a professional. Health care specialists also suggest certain physical therapies like heat or ice therapy, water therapy and range of motion exercises.
C. Changes in lifestyle
A few changes in our lifestyle like not staying in the same position for too long, doing meditation to release stress, getting minimum eight hours of sleep everyday, soaking up some sunlight everyday, goes a long way in keeping arthritis at bay.
D. Surgery
In some cases, it gets too late to treat arthritis naturally. When pain becomes unbearable or the functioning of the joints become too little, it becomes imperative to alleviate it with the help of surgery. Some of the popular surgery procedures are as follows:
Joint Replacement
Joint replacement as the name indicates, replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one.
Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100088_2.htm
Replacement of hips and knees joints are very popular around the globe, although the joints of shoulders, wrists, ankles, etc can also be replaced.
Joint Fusion
For treating the joints of fingers, shoulders, wrists and ankles, joint fusion is more appropriate. In this procedure, ends of two bones of the joint are removed and fused together to form a single rigid unit. Other popular types of surgeries are removal of the joint cavity lining and repair/removal of covering of damaged tendons.
E. Alternative Medicine
Many people go for holistic methods of treatment for arthritis like acupuncture, chiropractic medicines or and tai chi to ease pain.
Yoga is another natural and cost effective to get relief from arthritis pain. The asanas like shavasana, vajrasana, tadagasana and pavanmuktasana are extremely beneficial for arthritis patients.
Photo Credit: http://www.txtchineseclinic.co.uk/common_medical_conditions.php?id=24
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.