How To Relieve Arthritis Pain Without Medication
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis is a bone disease that causes inflammation or pain in your joints. There are various types of arthritis affecting different connective tissues, joints, and the tissues surrounding them. Per the statistics by the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the most common reason for disability in American adults, present in around 30.8 million people. Numbers also reveal that males under 45 years are more at risk of developing osteoarthritic symptoms than females, who are usually more at risk after age 45. The persistent discomfort from arthritis can be debilitating, no matter which type you have.
Cleveland Clinic notes that people may experience varying symptoms of arthritis, ranging from mild symptoms to severe. The most common symptoms of arthritis include inflammation, swelling, warmth in joints, stiffness, and redness in affected regions. Many factors may result in the incidence or aggravation of the disease. People who are regular smokers or lead a sedentary lifestyle may be at higher risk of arthritis symptoms. Obesity can also increase the chances of getting arthritis, as it puts pressure on joints. Besides taking the right medications, arthritis pain can be relieved at home using numerous therapeutic techniques.
Useful tips to ease arthritis symptoms
If you struggle with arthritis pain, the best thing to start with is exercise (via Healthline). Physical activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging can help mitigate inflammation and pain by strengthening the bones and making the joints flexible. However, it's important to begin with light physical fitness routines or choose low-impact workouts to avoid overdoing or increasing pressure on the joints. Talk to your doctor prior to starting any new exercise routine.
In addition, Healthline recommends hot and cold therapy for relieving joint aches caused by arthritis. Heat therapy, such as a warm bath or hot shower, is suitable for reducing joint stiffness, particularly in the morning. On the other hand, cold therapy includes placing an ice pack on the affected region to reduce swelling and inflammation. Medical News Today also recommends a daily massage for soothing intense arthritis pain. Moderate-pressure massage is more useful for boosting joint movements and decreasing pain than light-pressure massage. Additionally, a proper diet can also help manage arthritis symptoms. For instance, getting more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, such as flaxseeds, nuts, and fish like sardines and salmons can improve arthritic pain.