Arthritis is common among older adults, but some teens can also get the condition, which shows tenderness and swelling of joints. The primary symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and joint pain, which get worse as people age. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the types of arthritis that are most common.
Osteoarthritis is more manageable. This type of arthritis causes the breakdown of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones that form the joint. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is the more risky type, as the disease causes the immune system to attack the joints, beginning with the joint lining. Arthritis commonly affects the feet, hands, hips, lower back, and knees. As it is a degenerative condition, the symptoms worsen as people grow older.
While most medical practitioners can prescribe arthritis medication to relieve the pain, they also recommend various natural approaches. They suggest a change in diets, including foods that minimize swelling and pain, exercises, herbs and spices known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and traditional medicine practices that started centuries ago.
The list below includes different home remedies for arthritis gleaned from various studies and traditional practices that people observe. Continue reading to learn more about these home remedies.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine used to relieve pain naturally. An acupuncturist uses very fine, sterile, disposable needles to tap into the skin over the meridian points. The tips of the needles pierce through the skin in different depths. Acupuncture needles rebalance the body’s qi or energy. They stimulate the specific points to release the natural chemicals to fight symptoms or illnesses.
Studies show that acupuncture lowers chemicals linked to inflammation in the body. It also helps relieve chronic pain, particularly back pain. Even if there is limited information in modern science, many people consider acupuncture effective in helping reduce the symptoms of arthritis. The effectiveness and health benefits of acupuncture are difficult to ignore, considering that acupuncturists have been using it for over 2,000 years.
Western medicine may not fully recognize the effects of acupuncture, but the practice has already gained mainstream acceptance. According to a medical practitioner and professor of family and community medicine, acupuncture triggers the release of enkephalins and endorphins and the production of cortisol. The latter is a hormone that aids in controlling inflammation. Other studies look into acupuncture’s effects in relieving osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia symptoms.
