Arthritis is a form of pain associated with the joints. Arthritis is all about pains basically, it can be felt mostly on the joints, the knee or you might be feeling stiff. They are common symptoms of arthritis.
Although, there are two common types of arthritis that occurs. They are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Although, there are two common types of arthritis that occurs. They are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis like I said earlier is very common most especially in elderly people. It tends to be felt by older people from the age of 65. This form of arthritis or pain affects basic areas of your body like the hands, feet, back, knee, hip and wrists. Osteoarthritis pains usually comes up after an injury or pain during a physical activity. That pain tends to be more or less non-existent during the activity, but it comes up when you might probably be resting or relaxing. It's not inflammatory.
The second commonly felt type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid pains is when the the immune system starts to attack the body tissues or when the bones in the body starts opposing the other. Common areas of the body that's affected includes the fingers, knees and elbow. It usually occurs in children, teenagers, young adults and older people. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to be continuous if not treated properly. It's also known to be inflammatory.
Causes of arthritis
Having covered two of the most basic forms of arthritis, it's important you know what causes them. Though, pains is an underlining factor in any of the forms. The following can be attributed as a cause of arthritis :
(a) Gender : Women tend to be the ones mostly affected by this pains.
(b) Hereditary : If your family have a record of experiencing pains or stiffness it can also affect you.
(c) Weight : People that are obese generally feel pains in their joints when they partake in stressful physical activities.
(d) Age : Aging adults between 40-60 usually feel pains in different areas of their body.
Diagnosis
You can request a health professional carryout a test on you to determine the type of arthritis and the location. This way it becomes easier for you to know how to treat it. But, pains tends to be a natural symptom and self diagnostic feeling of arthritis. The severity of the pain and the part of the body it affects let's you know if it's osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis tends to have it's effect on you in the morning by making the affected area of the body stiff, while osteoarthritis is usually felt after a stressful physical activity or exercise.
Medications
Patients of arthritis have most times resolved to taking pain relievers. Non-Inflammatory cases take analgesic drugs such as acetaminophen, hydrocodone (paracetamol) while cases of inflammatory arthritis ibruprofen is usually administered.
Other types of medications includes menthol and immune suppressants like prednisone.
5 home remedies for arthritis
1. White Willow Bark
This is a very old natural pain remedy that originates from Southern Europe. It's very effective because of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immune boosting characteristics. It's sometimes confused for aspirin because it contains salicin - the main component in aspirin. For best results, consuming white willow bark as a tea is the way to go.
Get
- boiled water
- 2 tablespoons of white willow bark
- lemon or honey (optional)
How to use
Add 2 tablespoons of white willow bark into the boiled water in a cup. Allow to heat for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool off for about 15-30 minutes. It should be taken twice a day. You can use either lemon or honey because it's very bitter!
2. Peppermint and Eucalyptus oil
You might be wondering how pepper can be beneficial to your health, well black Pepper contains capsaicin. Capsaicin is known to be a good pain remedy. To get a very good result using this home remedy for arthritis,it's better to consume in the cream form. It's believed to contain analgesic qualities which can help temporarily stop the discomfort you're feeling.
Get
- 5-10 drops each of peppermint & eucalyptus oil
- 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (olive or grape seed oil)
- a dark glass bottle
How To Use
Blend the peppermint and eucalyptus oil and add 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. The essence of the carrier oil is to prevent itching of the skin. Now, pour the mixture into the dark glass bottle and keep away from sunlight. You can then apply it when you feel pains.
3. Blackstrap Molasses Drink
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The blackstrap molasses dietary supplement is one effective home remedies for arthritis that's been accepted by many. It's very rich in minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. Apart from being a reliever for arthritis, it also prevents the immune system from attacking the body tissues. Thereby making the joints and bones strong.
Get
- 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses
- A cup of warm water
How To Use
First heat a cup of water till it gets warm not hot. Then add a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses into the warm water and drink once everyday.
4. Exercise
This is a very important step you must go through the pain not withstanding. Exercises can help do a lot of good for major parts of the body like the joints and stiffness. When you engage yourself in exercise the synovial fluid that's meant to be a lubricant for the joints will flow and do it's job. Obese people are also advised to take exercises because it helps prevents stiffness in certain parts of the body.
What to do
-You should give 10-15 minutes for exercises
- Do exercises that target your joints
5. Turmeric and Ginger
There's been a lot of buzz about the pain relieving qualities of turmeric. The major component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. Both turmeric and ginger are good inflammation reducing agents. You can consume the mixture in the capsule or liquid form.
Get
- ½ tablespoon each of ground ginger and turmeric
- 2 cups of water
- Honey (optional)
Direction
Firstly, boil 2 cups of warm water with ½ tblspn of ground ginger and turmeric. Take away from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes, add honey to taste better. It should be taken twice everyday.
Yeah, that's all for home remedies for arthritis. Different methods and treatment have been discussed above, some can be used temporarily to reduce pains. It's left for you to find which one works best for you. You can always let me know if you've tried anyone listed above and the result you got.
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