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Arthritis Pain: 6 Natural Ways to Manage the Condition
1. Stay Active
Keep your movements smooth and gentle, and focus on staying active rather than athletic. Regular exercise that stretches and strengthens the muscles and ligaments around the joints can help reduce symptoms of arthritis pain and stiffness. Try aquatherapy, tai chi, massage therapy, Pilates, and range of motion exercises.
2. Get Enough Rest
Getting enough sleep is key to managing arthritis pain. Lack of sleep can interfere with your ability to manage arthritis pain and make it worse. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
3. Make Diet Changes
Many people have found that changing their diet can help reduce arthritis pain. Eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild caught cold water fish like salmon, has been shown in some studies to reduce inflammation. Also, cut back on acidic foods like soda, red meat, and processed grains.
4. Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Alternating between hot and cold therapy can provide some relief from arthritis pain. As the name implies, hot therapy uses heat to reduce pain and increase flexibility, while cold therapy uses cold to reduce swelling and pain. Try applying a hot pack for 15 to 20 minutes followed by an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Consider Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat pain, and studies have found it to be an effective way to reduce pain associated with arthritis. A trained acupuncturist can use tiny needles to stimulate specific points on the body, which can help with your arthritis pain.
6. Try Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies such as turmeric, ginger, and willow bark have been used to treat arthritis pain naturally. These herbs contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce pain and swelling. However, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies, as some can interact with medications or be unsafe for some people.
Arthritis Pain, Natural Ways to Manage Arthritis, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Hot and Cold Therapy, Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies
