19 Home Remedies for Arthritis

Soaking up sun has been proven increase vitamin D levels. Getting more vitamin D can help protect your joints from arthritis. A simple walk for 10-15 a day can help boost your vitamin D levels. Source

Managing your weight can be beneficial for arthritis pain. Any extra weight can put more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and feet. Losing weight can help by improving mobility, decrease overall pain, and prevent future damage to your joints. Source

Engaging in physical activities such as exercise not only can help you lose weight, but it can help you keep mobile. Exercising is also beneficial by helping to strengthen the muscles that surround joints. Source

Swimming may be considered one of the best low-impact exercises for arthritis since the water relieves pressure. Other low-impact activities include walking and cycling. Source

Hot and cold treatments have been shown to provide many different benefits for pain and inflammation. Heat therapy in particular warms the blood vessels causing them to dilate and increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients. Source Cold therapy on the other hand, has been effective at numbing the localized area of pain while reducing inflammation and swelling. Source

Topicals such as ointments and creams provide warmth and soothe joint pain. Capsaicin is a natural derived chemical from chili peppers that provide these benefits. Source

Alternative methods such as acupuncture can help treat pain from arthritis. The ancient Chinese practice is believed to restore balance and energy in the body. Source

Using a TENS machine can help relieve arthritis pain. TENS, known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a therapy that uses electric stimuli to the nerves, ultimately blocking the pain signal to the brain. Source

Meditation and Yoga are relaxation techniques that are considered low-impact exercises and can help reduce overall stress. Engaging in these mindful exercises can also help reduce overall stress and anxiety that come with arthritis. Source

Physical Therapy can help reduce overall arthritis pain. It can help strengthen muscles that support joints, reduce joint stiffness, and improve range of motion. Source

While the chiropractor cannot treat arthritis, this type of therapy practice can alleviate muscle spasms associated with arthritis. For example, if back pain is a persistent issue, then a chiropractor might be able to disrupt the muscle spasms and scar tissue that causes back pain. Source

Listening to your favorite music during arthritis flareups can help ease your pain. In a study done by The Cleveland Clinic, those who listened to their favorite music or relaxing tunes, had lower rates of arthritis pain, depression, and disability compared to those who did not listen to music. Source

Simply wearing a brace, such as a knee brace, for support can help give you the extra strength you might need to keep you going. Please bear in mind, braces only provide temporary support and relief. These should not be considered permanent solutions. Source

Support items such as a cane or a walker can help with the redistribution of your body weight. This will ultimately take weight bearing loads off your body especially If arthritis in knees are a point of discomfort. Source

Adding turmeric, a widely used spice in India, contains a chemical called curcumin. Curcumin contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in which studies show it may help reduce arthritis. Source

Studies have shown that ginger can mimic NSAIDs, which is usually the first treatment type for arthritis. Ginger interferes pain-causing chemicals. This is a great way to have a similar effect from medication without the side effects. Source

Studies have shown researchers that drinking 4 cups of green tea might be able to curb arthritis-related pain. Green tea has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Source

Cloves contain antioxidants, which are critical in slowing down cartilage and bone damage. They also have an anti-inflammatory chemical called eugenol. Eugenol is known to disrupt with the bodily process that triggers arthritis. Source

A rich diet in fruits, veggies, and lean meats can help you improve your overall health. Fruits and veggies specifically, are rich in antioxidants and help reduce overall inflammation in the body. Source