Natural Treatments for Arthritis Relief

Arthritis is a painful condition that can turn into a crippling disease. It is not a disease by itself, but a condition caused by joint degeneration or inflammation. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and is caused by injury or overuse of joints, including wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that is autoimmune, where antibodies attack the joints, causing deterioration.

Stiffness and cracking are only a few of the early symptoms arthritis sufferers experience. If left untreated, arthritis can become very painful. There are many conventional treatments for arthritis, but some people opt to also use natural ways to treat the pain and inflammation. Here are some ways to help combat arthritis pain. These are no substitute for treatments by your doctor. However with doctor approval, these natural remedies may contribute to your relief.

- Herbal Treatments
When used to treat arthritis, herbs are usually applied in powder form or poultice, or taken as tea. Herbs have a folk appeal about them because they have been used way before medical advances and drugs became the more popular remedy.

Herbs and plants like camphor leaves, lemon, radish and ginger have been used to relieve arthritic pain. These plants are either drank as decoctions or pounded as poultices and applied directly to the skin. Cayenne ointment is a topical treatment that can be rubbed into the affected area. It helps promote circulation and also acts to enhance the efficacy of other treatments.

Other herbal treatments include bilberries, cucumber extract, hawthorn berry and a combination of yucca, devil's claw and turmeric in capsule form.

- Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring chemical in the body similar to glucose. It keeps the joint tissues healthy and gelatinous, maintaining the smoothness of the joints. Glucosamine is actually a component of the cartilage that lines the joints. It helps rebuild cartilage by encouraging growth and prevent deterioration.

- Apple cider vinegar
Some arthritis sufferers report some pain-relieving success by using apple cider vinegar, although pain relief is experienced after about two or more weeks. The recommended dosage is 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 8 ounces of water, taken thrice daily.

Apple cider vinegar may also be used as a soak for painful joints. Use 1 part apple cider vinegar to 5 parts hot water and soak until water drops to room temperature. This solution may also be used as a wrap, applied repeatedly every 10 minutes.

- Alternative treatments
Alternative methods of treating arthritis are sometimes considered controversial, but some people have achieved certain success with them. One of the most popular forms of alternative medicine is the Oriental medical system known as acupuncture, which is practiced in China, Vietnam, Japan and Korea.

Traditionally, the use of acupuncture was as a preventive measure but it is now widely used to treat or cure various conditions. Certain specific points in the body, when pricked by long needles, correspond to healing another part. A certain point in the earlobe, for example, can correspond to the treatment of the tonsils. Acupuncture has been found to be effective for some arthritis sufferers.

Another alternative treatment is bee venom injections, derived directly from live bees. Although not very popular, it has been considered very useful for short term and long term treatments of both kinds of arthritis.

- Diet makeover
If you're looking to cure arthritis, then you should be prepared to be in it for the long haul, which means that in order for your body to undergo repair, you must take measures to encourage its healing.

Keep a whole-foods diet, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Try to lose a few pounds, as extra weight can put too much pressure on the joints. If possible, keep away from vegetables that are considered nightshades, like potatoes, tomatoes and aubergine. Try to reduce your intake of red meat, milk and milk products.

- Take natural supplements
Vitamin C should be included in your diet and if you're not getting enough, you can take it in supplemental form. Other supplements that may be considered are beta-carotene, vitamins E, B6 and B-complex may also be taken, along with minerals such as zinc, copper and manganese.

- Exercise and massage
Moderate and regular exercise can have therapeutic effects on arthritis. Exercises help preserve a body's mobility and strengthen the muscles to help support the joints. To help ease pressure on joints, exercises may be performed while half of the body is in water. Swimming is also a good choice - the body is engaged in movement while the buoyancy of the water prevents too much stress on the joints.

Massage and heat applications are also quite helpful. Massages, when done right, can help promote circulation in the joints. Heat applications can also bring about relief. One way to induce relaxation would be soaking joints in tolerably hot water for a few minutes. This has shown to bring relief, albeit temporary.

People who prefer the natural way to treat their arthritic pain find that it responds to each treatment differently and some natural ways can actually cure them of their pain. While results vary from one individual to another, the popularity of natural methods is proof.

All information here is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting any new supplement, diet or fitness regimen.