Arthritis - Natural Treatments

Arthritis has over 100 different types, but most people suffer one of the three most common types. Each type of arthritis should be treated differently for the best results. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. Osteoarthritis afflicts over 16 million Americans and is most commonly found in joints that bear weight such as knees, hips, and ankles. Osteoarthritis can be found in almost any joint, however. It concentrates on the cartilage that cushions joints and breaks it down. Osteoarthritis sufferers have an average age of 45 years.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, with over two million Americans afflicted. Yet, it can be the most painful. It inflames the lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers have an average age of 25 years.

The third most common type of arthritis is the least well known. It is Psoriatic Arthritis. This type of arthritis erodes the joints. A common manifestation of this is psoriasis of the skin.

All of these forms of arthritis have a common denominator; joint inflammation. This inflammation can cause various levels of pain and discomfort and can impede daily activities. Most arthritis sufferers will try various medicines and treatments to reduce the symptoms. There are also many natural remedies available that have been shown to reduce the pain and swelling.

Urtication, or Stinging Nettle, has been around for thousands of years, and has proven effective in treating arthritis. With a gloved hand, take the nettles and gently swat your afflicted joints with the nettles. Odd, it may be. But many arthritis sufferers swear by it.

Vitamins are another natural remedy that have proven effective in treating arthritis and are a little more main stream. In fact, medical professionals have found evidence that arthritis sufferers are usually lacking vitamin B. Whether this is a cause or an effect of arthritis is still unknown.

Other vitamins such as C, E, and beta-carotene are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals which are often blamed for tissue damage. Free radicals increase where there is damaged cartilage, such as from arthritis. There have been studies that show individuals who suffer from knee cartilage damage and then take high levels of vitamin C have reduced further damage to the joint. Dr. Linus Pauling recommends taking 18 grams of vitamin C daily to help prevent arthritis. Vitamin E has similar effects and studies in Germany have shown that it can reduce pain symptoms. You can naturally ingest vitamin E from sunflower seeds, wheat germ, corn oil, legumes, and other whole grains.

Osteoarthritis also reduces bones mass. A treatment called prednisone can further reduce the bone mass. This reduction in bone mass can cause bone fractures, particularly in older people. Combined with a lack of sunlight and an unhealthy diet and the effects can be devastating. A good way to combat these effects is to take extra vitamin D and calcium. These will help increase bone mass. It is recommended to take 400 IU of vitamin D daily, increased to 600 IU daily if you are 60 years of age or older. Do not exceed 1200 IU of vitamin D per day as this can be toxic.

You may have heard from other arthritis sufferers that wearing a copper bracelet can reduce their pain symptoms. This has not been proven scientifically and in fact can actually make your symptoms worse. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers usually have too high a level of copper in their blood, so wearing a bracelet can exacerbate this.

Kashin-Beck disease is another form of arthritis that has been linked to a deficiency of selenium. To get the proper dosage of selenium balance your diet with fish, organ meats, whole grains, legumes, beans and nuts.

Zinc has also been shown to decrease swelling and stiffness in some patients. To get zinc naturally, try adding oysters, cheese and tofu to your diet.

If you are looking for non-dietary changes, you can apply hot packs to the afflicted joints. Also, stress relievers such as mediation, music, walking and moderate weight loss have all been known to reduce symptoms of arthritis.