Home Remedies for Arthritis!

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What are current home remedies for arthritis? Arthritis is a common term used to describe the inflammation in joints. Pain, warmth, redness, and swelling within the joint are some common characteristics of a joint inflammation -- which hands, fingers, knees and hips are some common areas of joints that affected by arthritis. You may also like to read treatment for dogs with arthritis! 

Can arthritis be cured?

There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (chronic disorder) are the most common types. Although arthritis usually cannot be completely cured (especially for ‘RA’ rheumatoid arthritis), but with the right treatment the pain & other symptoms of the affected joint can be reduced or relieved!

The treatment for this disease is usually more focused to improve joint function and relieve the symptoms. Sometimes patients need to try some different approaches of treatment before they find the best one that works to treat the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis

To find the right treatments or home remedies for a joint inflammation of arthritis, first you have to get to know the type of your arthritis! Because each type usually needs different approach of treatment!

So, it’s so important for you to get a clearly diagnosis. Furthermore with the right diagnosis, the causes of your pain also can be indentified correctly.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

As mentioned before, it is a kind of chronic arthritis and in many cases it typically occurs in the small joints in the feet and hands. You may also like to read rheumatoid arthritis in fingers and hands!

Unlike osteoarthritis, RA typically affects the joint’s lining, resulting a painful swelling which then finally cause joint deformity & bone erosion. 

RA is also often called as ‘autoimmune disorder’, in other words this chronic disorder is triggered by the body’s immune system that without unknown reason attacks the body’s tissue (particularly the lining/synovium that surround the joints). Moreover, people with RA may also experience fatigue and fever in the whole body.

Risk factors of RA 

Conditions or factors that put you at higher chance of developing RA may include:

1. You have a family history of RA! 
2. Your age! RA is more common in the age range from 40s to 60s. However, this chronic disorder also can occur at any age, including in kids (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most popular type of RA that occurs in children).
3. Gender! In fact, RA is more common in women than in men.
4. Bad habit! Bad lifestyle or bad habit such as cigarette smoking also can put some people at higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. If you are smoker, quitting smoking is one of best home remedies to lower your risk or to relieve the RA symptoms.

Symptoms or signs of rheumatoid arthritis

Some common signs of RA that occur may include:

1. Swollen and pain joints.
2. Warm and tender joints.
3. Patient may also experience stiffness, which usually occurs in the morning.
4. Some patients may also experience a condition what we call as ‘rheumatoid nodules’.
5. Fever and fatigue.

The symptoms of RA can be different from one patient to another. Some patients may experience the symptoms that develop gradually, while others may get the symptoms that develop quickly.

The first RA symptoms are more likely to affect the smaller joints (such as joints between fingers and hands, and joints that attach the toes to the feet). In line with the progress of the disease, the signs of RA may also spread to other joints, such as shoulders, elbows, hips, ankles, and knees.

The unique characteristic of RA is the symptoms typically affect symmetrically (the symptoms affect in the same joints on both sides, such as both hands and both knees), whereas osteoarthritis usually occurs asymmetrically.

Complications of rheumatoid arthritis

There is a chance for other health conditions to occur when you have RA. Some of these complications may include:

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome! The nerve associated with the hands and fingers may be affected if RA occurs in the wrists. Read also symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome!
2. Some medications for RA and the disease itself can put patient at higher risk of having osteoporosis (a health condition that can weaken the strength of the bones -- you might also like to read foods for healthy bones).
3. Moreover, rheumatoid arthritis also can increase the risk of having lung disease and heart problems!

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is also familiar known as ‘wear-&-tear arthritis’. It usually occurs if the cartilage in a joint wears down over time. 

What are causes of osteoarthritis?

Cartilage is ‘shock-absorber’ to reduce the friction in the joints. In line with the age, there is a chance for cartilage to deteriorate! In a joint with osteoarthritis, the cartilage’s slick surface becomes rough, which then can wear down completely.

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According to a published article on MayoClinic, osteoarthritis most commonly occur in the hips, lower back, knees, and hands. But however, the disorder can affect or occur in any joint of the body. 

The disease usually will gradually worsen with the age. But the treatment and home remedies can be helpful to slow or ease the progression of the disease & symptoms - though there is no cure exists! The treatment is also helpful to improve the joint function.

Osteoarthritis signs and symptoms

The osteoarthritis symptoms vary greatly! Some patients may experience remarkably few signs, while others may be debilitated by their symptoms. The signs of OA also can be intermittent.

In many cases, pain in the affected joints (particularly after repetitive use) is the most common sign. This joint pain usually worsens later in the day. The affected joint also can be creaking, warmth, and swelling. Furthermore, stiffness & pain of affected joints can occur/appear after long periods of inactivity, such as when after sitting in a theater!

Other osteoarthritis signs and symptoms may include:

1. Tenderness! When you apply pressure /light pressure on the affected joint, you may feel tender.
2. You may also have lack of flexibility (poor range of motion) to move /use the affected joints.
3. Noticeable stiffness in the morning.
4. When you use the affected joints, you may feel /hear a grating sensation.
5. Complete loss of cartilage may also lead to more friction between bones, which then result pain with restricted motion or even pain at rest.

Complications of osteoarthritis

Once again, this disease is a kind of degenerative disorder that can worsen over time! Stiffness and pain of affected joints may become severe over time, which then result difficulties to do daily tasks. This condition can affect carrier of patient.  

If the joint paint becomes severe, surgery may be recommended by doctor!

Home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis!

There are some alternative therapies and home remedies to manage rheumatoid arthritis. These include exercise, changes in diet, the use of assistive devices, acupuncture, etc. 

Since there are a lot of remedies or therapies that have not been completely tested in science (especially for the side effects and the effectiveness to treat arthritis), it’s so recommended to discuss with your doctor first before taking any not-prescribed therapy /remedy in order to keep safe and get a better result!

Alternative natural therapies for RA

These body/mind therapies are usually intended to help patient for better stress management.

1. Biofeedback therapy! Though there is no adequate evidence to confirm the effectiveness of biofeedback to help people with arthritis, but some experts believe that this therapy is useful for patient to learn and control some automatic response, like blood pressure and heart rate.
2. Therapy with ‘tai-chi’! Tai chi has a lot of graceful & gentle movement, and these are safe enough for patient with arthritis. The movements in tai-chi are helpful to reduce pain, promote better joint strength, and provide more spiritual component (helpful to keep focus away from pain) in some people with arthritis.  
3. Visualization therapy! This therapy is intended to ease pain and decrease stress. It typically invites patient to learn how to breathe deeply with eyes closed, which then patient will get a peaceful atmosphere to release more stress.
4. Acupuncture therapy! This Chinese traditional technique is believed can promote more balances of energy. It usually uses needles (stainless steel) to stimulate certain pathways of the body. These needles may be effective to reduce pain of arthritis by stimulating endorphins (pain-blocking chemicals).
5. Meditation! It can help promote decreased stress and provide more relaxation, which then intended to promote better breathing and heart rate, and also bring positive pain perception in reducing the pain. Meditation is also believed helpful to decrease the risk of depression and anxiety.
6. Deep breathing with abdomen (not with chest)! This can help alter the state of emotional and also can be helpful to get back your normal heart beat (especially during stressful times). Take deep-breath slowly from stomach /abdomen then hold as long as possible, and then release it slowly. 

Magnets therapy

Another natural treatment for RA is by using magnets. In some studies, magnets therapy can help improve joint pain, but there is no clearly reason why magnets can relieve pain! 

Though there is no clearly answer to confirm the effectiveness of magnets to treat the symptoms of RA, but some preliminary research found that magnets eased joint pain better than placebo in participants with hip & knee of osteoarthritis -- according to NCCAM (the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine).

And magnet therapies are available in some different choices, such as disks, inserts, bracelets, pads, or necklaces.

Heat & cold therapy!

Cold and/or heat treatment is one of common choices to ease the symptoms of RA. Joint inflammation & swelling can be reduced by cold compresses. 

To reduce the inflammation and pain, patient can use an ice pack /a cool compress and then apply it on the affected joint, particularly during a rheumatoid arthritis flare-up. Apply this therapy for about 15 minutes and don’t forget to give about 30 minutes break in between this therapy, because you might not want to overdo this cold treatment!

How about with heat compresses? Well, this technique helps stimulate better blood flow and provide more relaxation for the muscles. But be careful - don’t let your skin burn, don’t go too hot!

To do this heat therapy, you can use a warm -damp towel or a moist heating pad. Another idea, you can try with enjoyable hot tube to help relax the stiff muscles of your body. But taking spas or hot tub is not recommended if you are being pregnant, have heart disease or hypertension (high blood pressure).

Furthermore, you can also try standing in the shower and let the warm water hit the painful joint area of your body! 

Regular exercise

Gentle exercise is important to strengthen the muscles, particularly for the muscles around the joints. But you need to do it properly! Before starting your exercise, ask your doctor on how to do it correctly! 

For rheumatoid arthritis in hands and fingers, below are pieces of helpful information:

1. Use some accessories to help you to do your exercise. Nerf ball or soft foam ball is one of good choices. A hard ball (like hard tennis ball) is not recommended.
2. Do some activities to support your exercise, like playing piano is one of good options (you can train your finger with fun).
3. When doing certain activity that involves the joints, share the load of pressure as well. For instance, avoid position with your hands or a particular finger.   
4. Find the right one of arthritis devices & aids that you need! For more advices, consult more with an occupational therapist.
5. Use some accessories to ease your activity when using the joints. For example, (a) you can add a helpful accessory to doorknob (useful for easier turning), (b) to replace button on your clothing - use hook & loop fasteners, (c) choose rotary lamp switches instead of a small knob switch, (d) choose lightweight household utensils instead of weight household utensils, etc.

For easier living: use assistive devices!

There is always chance for arthritis to slow patient down - though he/she have received the best treatment. Therefore, the treatment plan usually does not stop with only exercise & medicine. For this reason, there are available assistive devices for easier living.

These practical devices let patients continue to do their activities on their own, such as assistive devices designed for activities in the bathroom, kitchen, or assistive devices just to get around.

Changes in diet

Some changes in diet may help RA symptoms. But unfortunately, there is no specific answer of diet for arthritis -- according to the Arthritis Foundation. 

To get clearly answer, you need to monitor what you eat! In essence, if you find certain foods that can improve your symptoms and certain foods that worsen your symptoms -- you need to make some changes or adjustments in your diet!

What are foods you should eat?

In general, below are some essential nutrients from foods that may be helpful to improve your rheumatoid symptoms:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids! These polyunsaturated fats are pretty common to be found in nuts, plants, coldwater fish, and other foods! Some studies found that they may be helpful to reduce inflammation in people with arthritis, because they have some essential nutrients (particularly such as ‘docosahexaenoic acid‘ (DAH) and ‘eicosapentaenoic acid’ (EPA)). EPA and DAH are also essential to reduce the risk of heart disease, and this is very beneficial since people with arthritis are also at higher risk of developing heart disease.
2. Mediterranean diet! Some studies found that diet high in vitamin C, vegetables, and fruits may have correlation to lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, RA is less common in people from Mediterranean countries (like Italy and Greece). Furthermore, foods high in antioxidants are believed helpful to decrease the risk of developing degenerative diseases (such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis).

What are foods you should avoid?

Saturated foods (such as; bacon, butter, and cream) should be restricted -- avoid them if necessary! Some studies confirm that saturated fats may put someone at higher risk of having more inflammation in the body. 

Furthermore, excessively consuming omega-6 fatty acids also must be avoided! Some experts believe that diet high in omega-6 fatty acids may be linked to higher risk of having cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmune disease and more inflammation in the body.

Is there a link between weight loss and RA?

Many studies found that weight loss (especially if you are being overweight) is important for overall health and for your joints. 

You should always remember that extra pounds (overweight) that you have can put strain on the joints (particularly such as joints of hips and knees) -- and this is not good if you have arthritis!

Supplements for RA

Before taking any supplements, it is much better to consult first with your doctor, because there is a chance for these supplements (including for natural supplements) to interact with other medications!

Some common supplements that have best medical research for rheumatoid arthritis are fish oil supplements, borage (borage seed oil), and thunder god vine. Ask a doctor for more in-depth information!

Home remedies for osteoarthritis!

With different approach /maybe with slightly different approach (or sometimes with the same approach), some home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis also can be applied for osteoarthritis. For more detailed information about this issue, consult more with your doctor!

The following are some helpful tips about home remedies for osteoarthritis:

1. Take a rest when the symptoms appear! Take a rest for about 12-24 hours when you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis or pain in the joint! Consider other activities that don’t involve the repetitively action with the affected joint!
2. Heat and/or cold therapy is also able to be applied in osteoarthritis. As written before, both heat & cold can be helpful to ease /relieve pain or other symptoms of osteoarthritis. With the right procedure on how to do this therapy, cold can be effective to relieve the muscle spasms and heat can relieve the stiffness.
3. Follow all instructions from your doctor, particularly the recommendations on how to do exercise for your osteoarthritis! As mentioned before, this exercise is important to increase /keep the strength and endurance of the muscles in the joint. 
4. There are also some gels and creams that may be helpful to promote temporary relief from pain of osteoarthritis. They can be purchased from a drugstore. 
5. Keep well the ideal weight of your body! Like in RA, being overweight is also not good for osteoarthritis, because it can bring more pressure on the weight-bearing joints (particularly such as for your hips and knees). Therefore, if you are being overweight -- a small pound of your weight loss can help reduce pressure which then helpful to ease the pain. 
6. Diet! Consuming foods that contain vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants is also good choice. Discuss more with a dietitian for more advices! Moreover, with healthy diet, you can also manage the ideal weight of your body. 
7. Assistive devices for arthritis! Like in RA, you need also to use some assistive devices for easier living. Find the right assistive devices that are actually needed or meet to your requirements!

*** Consult more with your occupational therapist or doctor for more tips and advices!

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Reference: WebMD and MayoClinic