Arthritis refers to a variety of conditions that cause pain and inflammation of the joints. Although there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related diseases, the most common one is osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative disease that wears away the cushioning between the joints, causing serious pain, swelling and stiffness. Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA occurs when the immune system unintentionally attacks the joints and other parts of the body, causing inflammation. No matter what form of arthritis you may have, they all can cause severe pain and result in lasting damage to your joints. With over 50 million people in the United States affected by arthritis, it’s important to know some natural ways that can help alleviate the pain.
3 Ways To Naturally Relieve Arthritis Pain
Aquatic Exercises
Exercise is a great method of relieving many types of pain in the body. When it comes to arthritis, aquatic exercises are the best. Water provides resistance which can ultimately increase the intensity of your workout. At the same time, being able to float in the water helps support body weight, relieving a lot of pressure on the joints. This way of exercising is especially beneficial for older people with arthritis who can’t take the pressure of running or walking on solid surfaces. Conducting aerobic exercises in the pool can help reduce body fat, improve range of motion, and help with pain in the joints.
Massages & Stretching
Regularly massaging the muscles and joints surrounding the affected area can help soothe arthritis related pain. It is believed that massages lower the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol and the neurotransmitter substance P which is associated with pain. Massages also help boost mood by improving your serotonin levels. It’s important to ensure that you are getting light-pressure massages and light stretches to prevent further pain in the joints.
Hot & Cold Therapy
Heat and cold treatments are two different but effective ways to reduce arthritis pain. Heat therapy improves circulation and can help with stiff joints and aching muscles. On the other hand, cold therapy restricts blood vessels, slowing circulation, reducing swelling and numbing the pain. People can try both heat and cold therapies to see which one helps them best with their type of pain. Heat treatment can include starting the day with a warm bath or shower, applying warm paraffin wax to aching joints, or placing a heating pad on aching joints. Cold treatments can include wrapping a bag of ice around painful areas, submerging affected areas in ice water, or using a cold pack. Keep in mind that these treatments should not exceed a maximum of 20 minutes in order to prevent injury.
Regenerative Treatment in South Florida
Living with arthritis can be severely painful and hinder many daily activities that one can partake in. While natural treatments can often alleviate pain, more aggressive cases of arthritis may require other forms of treatment for joint pain relief. At BioCure, we offer regenerative medicine for degenerative joint conditions such as arthritis so you no longer have to live with stiff, aching joints.
