A large percentage of the population worldwide suffers from arthritis today. In fact about 46 million people in the United States alone suffer from arthritis. Indeed living with arthritis is not a pleasant one but there are ways that one can take to lessen the symptoms of arthritis. Read below several ways how to ease arthritis pain.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments like massage will help in lessening joint pains since massage improves blood circulation. Other alternative treatments like acupuncture as well as therapies like homeopathy, hypnotherapy, meditation, magnet therapy, steam therapy, yoga and Ayurveda water therapy which shows a promising improvement in the pain management of arthritis.
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
Taking supplements daily is one way of fighting arthritis pain. Supplements that contain Chondroitin and Glucosamine are known to be effective for knee arthritis. But before taking these supplements it is important that you discuss it with your physician. Studies and evidence of the affectivity of these supplements for the cure of arthritis pain is mixed according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Besides these supplements are not regulated by FDA thus it is vital that you seek your physician’s advice when it comes to the use of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
When you buy these supplements make sure to buy this in a reputable and established company as suggested by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. This can assure you of the purity of the supplements. And of course take only the recommended dosage daily which is 1,500 mg a day taken in one dose or in 500 mg three times a day according to Columbia University’s Health Services.
Exercise
Being active helps a lot in relieving arthritis pain and the great way to keep active is through biking, walking and swimming. This can prevent further deterioration of your joints. Exercise can maintain flexibility of the joints and muscle strength, lessens pressure in the joints by keeping a healthy weight, it keeps your cartilage tissues and bones strong, improves endurance and helps keep you cardiovascular fit.
Having the Right Diet
One way to reduce arthritic pain is by controlling your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can keep arthritis away. Eating foods that contain omega 3, fish and green vegetables are the best diet for arthritis patients. Other food that is good to fight arthritis is avocado and soybean. Sea foods like shrimp shells, crabs and lobsters are rich in Glucosamine which is good for your joints.
Medications
Medications are often prescribed by doctors to manage pain and bring temporary relief. The most common medication prescribed is Acetaminophen for mild inflammation and NSAIDs like Ibuprofen for inflammatory Rheumatoid Arthritis. Although prolong use of such medication may bring undesirable side effects like ulcers, bleeding and other stomach problems.
Other ways to reduce arthritis pain is through yoga and tai chi. A study found out that hand splints may alleviate arthritis pain. Hands splints can be use to steady painful joints thus reduce the pain for those individual who suffers from degenerative arthritis (Arthritis Care and Research Journal, January 10, 2010).