To alleviate the excruciating knee pain of arthritis, these natural remedies can help.
About arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by chronic knee pain and joint inflammation that interferes with the body’s normal range of motion. Osteoarthritis (OA), which is the most frequently occurring arthritis type, tends to become more pronounced during the aging process. Although OA can be experienced in any joint in the body, it is a particularly common underlying source of knee pain.
The standard treatment method has been to use pharmaceutical drugs that are designed to stop the pain and reduce the inflammation. In recent years, though, people have become more concerned with avoiding the side-effects of prescription pills and have turned to natural strategies for relief.
Weight management
Excess weight is a significant contributor to knee pain. In fact, the effect multiplies: if you lose 5 pounds, for instance, you remove 20 pounds of pressure from your knee.
Greater physical activity
Along similar lines, exercise can be incredibly helpful. Of course it helps to control weight, but it can also keep your circulation strong and your body limber. Be careful what workout you choose, though. “Weight-bearing exercises like running and walking can be damaging,” notes Healthline. “Instead, try low-impact exercises like water aerobics or swimming to flex your joints without adding further stress.”
Hot/cold treatment
Another way to limit knee pain and other arthritis aches is with the simple use of temperature for therapy. Taking a warm bath when you get out of bed can improve your mobility throughout the day. You can also use ice packs to reduce swelling when you have a flareup.
Acupuncture
An acupuncture specialist takes needles and inserts them into the body’s energy meridians, as directed by the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The idea is that by redirecting energy within the body, you can reachieve proper balance.
Diet
One final way to fight inflammation is by adding supplements to your diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) and turmeric. Within turmeric is the anti-inflammatory component curcumin. “The NIH reports that turmeric given to lab rats reduced inflammation in their joints,” Healthline explains. “Research on humans is scarce, but it can’t hurt to add this tasty spice to your dinners.”
Getting help
Is your quality of life being damaged by your knee arthritis? At Atlanta Medical Clinic, we offer comprehensive pain relief programs, including computerized acupuncture. Learn more.