Natural Remedies for Arthritis Sufferers

Although there are many forms of arthritis, the two most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking joint linings. Osteoarthritis happens when there is a breakdown in the cartilage around the bones. Arthritis is a chronic disease, there is no cure, but the pain and symptoms of arthritis can be lessened with home remedies.

Joint Protection

Since arthritis attacks the body's joints it is important to take steps to protect your joints. If you are already suffering from arthritis, you can save your hands some pain by giving your fingers a break. Use your palms to pick things up. Buy special tools to open jars. There are even kitchen utensils made with bigger handles to help those who have lost their grip. Push doors open with your arms or elbows. When I push a heavy door with my hands I end up with pain for the whole next day. Taking precautions and giving your hands a break can help relieve strain on your aching joints.

Fighting Stiffness

Keep your joints young by keeping active. Physical activity is good for your body and your soul. Joints are more likely to stiffen up if you spend too much time being inactive. Add warmth when your joints are aching. Soak in the bath, or toss some towels in the dryer and wrap them around your sore parts. When you can't get physical activity because it is too painful try working out in a warm pool. The warm water soothes the joints making it easier to move.

Get Some Relief

Natural remedies can ease pain without prescription medications. Warm up your joints with some cayenne pepper. You can make a topical treatment for arthritis by mixing an ounce of cayenne into a quart of rubbing alcohol. This mixture needs to sit for three weeks to blend, shake it once each day. Use a cloth to apply it to sore spots and rinse of after ten minutes. The active ingredient in chili peppers, capsaicin, is becoming a very popular treatment for pain, and arthritis. It can be found in creams and in pill form. Try food therapy. Celery is a natural antinflammatory. Snack on fresh celery. Potassium can be a culprit in joint pain too. Celery is a good source of potassium, and so are bananas.

Arthritis pain doesn't have to hold you back. There are tricks that can help ease your pain. Even if you have to live the rest of your life with arthritis you don't need to suffer the whole time!

Resource: Country Doctor's Book of Remedies & Cures, 2008