Arthritis can be a very painful condition but there are many natural therapies that can help in both arthritis management and prevention.  We’ve sourced the most common for you.

Homoeopathy for Arthritis

Homoeopathy is a system of remedies that are based on the belief that tiny amounts of natural substances can be used to stimulate the body’s own defenses against a disease, in this case, arthritis.  The whole body is taken into account.  Some common homoeopathic remedies include arsenicum album, calcarea carbonica, pulsatilla, and rhus toxicodendron.

Herbal Therapies for Arthritis

There are many herbal therapies that can be useful in the treatment of arthritis (also see herbal medicine).  Devil’s Claw is an anti-inflammatory and can act as a painkiller.  Boswella Serrapa is capable of decreasing inflammatory pathways, stopping cartilage breakdown, and increasing blood supply to the joints.  Other herbs that can help include nettle leaf and ginger.

Using Diet and Supplements to Help Arthritis

If you suffer from any form of arthritis, it is important to follow a healthy diet and to introduce certain supplements.  People with arthritis may be deficient in B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene.  Ensure that your diet is rich in vitamin E, and the anti-oxidants lutein and lycopene.  Eat a diet that is rich in all of the above vitamins in order to help prevent the onset of arthritis as well as reducing pain if you already suffer from it.

Omega 3 oils are also helpful.  These dietary fatty acids regulate inflammation in the body and they are capable of reducing the chronic inflammation associated with arthritis.  Eating foods rich in Omega-3s and taking a daily supplement can reduce your dependence on anti-inflammatory medications or may even eliminate the need to take them altogether.

There are several supplements that may be extremely beneficial.  Perhaps the most important of these is glucosamine sulfate.  Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is used to make cartilage but as we grow older, the body produces less of it, requiring supplementation.  Glucosamine stimulates the repair of cartilage in the body and thus reduces pain.  Chondroitin sulfate is another supplement that may be of use.  Chondroitin is abundant within the cartilage and is responsible for attracting and holding water within the cartilage.  MSM or organic sulfur is a natural way to reduce inflammation in joints and supports healing by increasing blood flow and delivering nutrients to the injured areas.

The Role of Exercise and Physical Therapy in Arthritis Treatment and Prevention

Regular exercise can help to prevent arthritis and also improve the condition after it has established itself.  If you already suffer from joint pain, you may find that resistance exercise is helpful.  The key is to do moderate exercise and try not to put too much impact onto your joints.  Walking, swimming, and yoga are just three beneficial forms of exercise.  Combining exercise with physical therapy may reduce pain, stop the arthritis from getting worse, and even prevent or delay the necessity of a joint replacement.

Other Treatments to Manage or Prevent Arthritis

There are many other treatments that can help in the management of arthritis.  Here is a brief overview of just some of them.

Massage is beneficial as it increases flexibility and mobility.  It also decreases pain and inflammation, relieves aches and stiffness and promotes a feeling of overall relaxation.

Acupuncture helps to stimulate the energy flow and can also help the body to release pain-relieving chemicals.  This equals less pain for you!

The Alexander Technique analyses whole body patterns and teaches an improved stance so that people are able to stand and move more efficiently.  By moving in a better way, we eliminate tension which may be responsible for many ailments including arthritis.

Aromatherapy involves the use of oils from flowers, plants, and trees, in combination with massage, baths or steam inhalation.  By using the right mixture of essential oils, it may help with relaxation, pain relief, and decreasing tiredness.

Chiropractic has been used for a long time in relieving arthritis.  By adjusting the joints of the spine and the limbs, mobility will be increased and the body will be relieved of tension and stress.

Osteopathy involves the manipulation of the body in order to restore normal action and decrease pain.  It is good for improving mobility but it should not be used by those that have inflamed joints or osteoporosis.

Reflexology involves massaging the feet and palms of the hand to improve the rest of the body.  It is excellent for stress management and overall health maintenance.