Arthritis is a disease that causes pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. The signs and symptoms of arthritis are persistent joint pain or inflammation resulting in the joint swelling with redness or warmth. Other symptoms could include joint deformity, limited range of motion of the joint, extreme fatigue or unexplained weight loss or a fever with unknown origin. If you exhibit these signs and symptoms, a visit to your physician and a series of tests with a physical examination can make a definitive diagnosis of arthritis or determine if there is a different cause.
If arthritis is the cause of your joint pain and discomfort, discuss with your doctor some of the treatments and natural remedies for arthritis that can be utilized to control your pain and stiffness. Traditional treatment options used for arthritis symptoms are anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, corticosteroids and anti-rheumatic drugs. Steroid injections may be used locally for a specific painful joint.
There are treatment options for arthritis by various natural approaches to controlling the symptoms of the disease. Work with your doctor when undertaking the natural remedy so you’re both communicating together to control your arthritis. Magnet therapy may be used and it is believed that it relieves arthritis pain by improving circulation.
Massage therapy is another method for obtaining relief from arthritis. However, massage therapy should not be done when joints are excessively tender or inflamed. When done correctly and not during periods of exacerbation, massage therapy can improve joint movement and relax tense muscles.
Biofeedback, using guided imagery and relaxation techniques can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Meditation and deep breathing exercises help to relax an arthritis sufferer and breaks the pain and stress cycle of this disease. Yoga programs are available that are specifically tailored to be used by those with arthritis. It is emphasized that a safe, gentle approach to doing yoga applies for arthritis patients. Extreme “pretzel” poses are avoided in these kind of yoga programs.
Regular exercise is recommended for arthritis patients as a free and natural remedy against arthritis pain and progression. Most people with arthritis do not get enough exercise which will lead to a worsening of their condition. Another natural area of remedies for arthritis are the supplements including fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin. Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids have been used to reduce the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are dietary supplements that are used in combination for easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are non prescription venues for joint pain relief. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are found naturally in our body and function to maintain healthy joint cartilage. Glucosamine is an amino sugar and chondroitin sulfate is found in cartilage.
If you are considering trying glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for your arthritis discomfort, let your doctor know. Certain individuals, such as diabetics, need to use caution or may be contraindicated to take this supplement. In addition, there are certain drug interactions with glucosanine and chondroitin supplements that both you and your doctor need to be aware of. The general opinon is that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are, for certain patients with arthritis, an effective means for easing pain.
