Last Modified on Sep 07, 2015

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of one or more joints. The primary symptoms of the condition include joint stiffness and pain. The condition is typically considered progressive and worsens with age; however, the specific type of arthritis determines the rate and direction of progression.

The two main forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear while rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disorder.

Pain and stiffness are the most characteristic symptoms of the condition; however, additional symptoms are common. Swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion are other indicative symptoms.

While the exact type of medical treatment for arthritis depends on the type of arthritis, several medications are common. Analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, counterirritants, and biologics are among the most common treatment options. However, many of these treatments are limited at best and harmful at worst.

Treatments such as analgesics only treat pain and do nothing to reduce inflammation. Likewise, NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Biologics put you at risk for more serious immune diseases and debilitate the immune system altogether.

As limited as traditional medical treatments are, we suggest treating arthritis from a natural perspective. This approach relies on natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and blackstrap molasses, as well as noninvasive practices, like weight loss, exercise, and acupuncture.

Apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment option for a variety of reasons. The treatment contains beta-carotene, which serves as an antioxidant, as well as acetic acid. The combination of these two helps relieve arthritis pain and reduce inflammation.

As an imbalance in the bodys natural pH level is one of the primary causes of arthritis, baking soda is an effective treatment option. Baking soda helps neutralize the bodys acidic state and return the body to alkalinity. As it does so, baking soda helps relieve arthritis pain and inflammation.

Blackstrap molasses is a nutrient-rich syrup with powerful healing qualities. The syrup contains a variety of nutrients including magnesium and calcium that regulate the nerve impulses in the body and relieve pain.

While no one likes to hear the W word, consider the fact that a single 1 pound loss takes 4 pounds of pressure off of your joints. When you look at it that way, it makes sense that losing weight would help effectively treat arthritis, a joint disease. Consider your current weight compared to you suggested weight and see if you need to make any changes.

Exercise helps strengthen the body, including the muscles and the bones. It also helps promote effective circulation. As such, it can help relieve inflammation and even pain associated with arthritis.

An ancient Chinese practice, acupuncture utilizes specific pressure points to relieve pain. This treatment can relieve pain and promote general movement.

Understanding your condition is one of the most important forms of treatment, but aside from that utilizing natural treatment options or at least support is vital as well. Give one of our suggestions a try or add your favorite remedy to a reader-contributed list below!

Additional Pages of Interest: Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis Pain Remedies

Here is the original post:
Natural Cures for Arthritis - Earth Clinic

Comments are closed.