Most of us would have experienced joint pain at some point in our lives, especially after the age of 40. In this post, we will talk about home remedies for arthritis commonly referred to as joint pain.
These home remedies for arthritis may potentially help you overcome the most common types of joint pains and inflammation with ease naturally. But first, let’s talk about what and why it is.
With time as we grow older our bones lose their elasticity and become more stiff and inflexible. This could result in arthritis later.
Thousands of people undergo knee surgery because of unbearable pain caused by arthritis. However, these surgeries can occasionally fail.
For some people going ahead with surgery is not a feasible option due to medical reasons.
Unbearable pain makes people seek Ayurveda. as it is one of the most effective holistic healing medicine sciences.
Ayurvedic treatment is not only limited to taking medicine from an Ayurvedic physician or undertaking pricey therapies. It is also home to various simple and efficient home remedies for arthritis.
What Causes Joint Pain
The following can cause joint pain:
- Inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Gouts
- Infectious Diseases
- Breakdown of kneecap cartilage
- Tendinitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
The most common types of joint pain include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is most common among the people of age group of 40 and above. It affects the different joints of the body such as knees, hips, hands, wrists, and elbows, and results in disintegration of cartilage, which acts as a cushion and shock absorber.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than males. The immune system targets the membrane that lines the joints, producing discomfort, inflammation, and fluid accumulation. As a result, with time joints deteriorate and become weak.
- Gouts
Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid, and it commonly affects the feet. The disorder produces swelling and acute pain in the joints of the feet, particularly the big toe, creating the sensation of a burning foot.
Home Remedies for Joint Pain
- Ginger
Ginger is an excellent home remedy for arthritis and joint pain. With its anti-inflammatory properties and active components, it serves as a foundation medication for rheumatoid arthritis, helping to reduce symptom severity and prevent bone damage.
Read our post on health benefits of ginger for more details
- Turmeric
In Indian households, turmeric is an integral part of every masala box. It contains a plant chemical called curcumin, which has been proven to reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis related chronic inflammation. By enhancing anti-inflammatory cells, and decreasing proinflammatory cells, it decreases inflammation.
- Cinnamon
The benefits of cinnamon extend beyond enhancing flavors and aromas. Cinnamon includes antioxidants, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde, which decrease cell damage. It also includes eugenol, a chemical related to clove oil that is used to relieve pain in joints.
Read our post on health benefits of cinnamon for more details
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is found in abundance in India and has been used in ayurvedic treatment for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory properties lowers inflammation by removing free radicals and reducing the synthesis of inflammatory enzymes. Topical application is also possible with its viscous gel.
- Boswellia Seratta
Boswellia extract is rich in boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in relieving joint pain and stiffness, making it effective for patients who suffer from Arthritis, Gout, and Osteoarthritis.
Also read our post on Most Powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and their Amazing Health Benefits
Weight Management: A Natural Home Remedy for Arthritis
There is no doubt that obesity contributes to joint pain. Increased weight contributes to increased forces across the joint, which causes more wear and tear over time. Fat tissues create and release inflammatory chemicals that cause joint pain even in areas of the body that aren’t weight-bearing like the hands.
Losing weight has the reverse effect. Losing one pound of weight results in four pounds of pressure being reduced in the knee joints. It also eases pain, reduces disease activity, and lessens inflammation. This improves the chances of remission and slows down the degeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis. Weight management also lowers uric acid levels and the chances of gout attacks.
Regular Exercise as a Home Remedy for Joint Pain
Regular exercise can keep the muscles around the affected joints strong, decrease bone loss, and reduce joint swelling and pain. It replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and thereby reduces stiffness and pain, increases joint mobility, and also fights tiredness. Additionally, it promotes weight loss and makes ligaments strong which in turn strengthens joints. [1]
Yoga And Meditation
Movement and exercise is the best way to relieve joint pains and strengthen weak bones. Due to its meditative nature, yoga is a long-established holistic practice that offers a safe and effective method of increasing physical activity as well as psychological benefits.
Yoga encompasses a variety of poses, breathing techniques, and meditation.
Asanas such as Veerbhadrasana (Warrior pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose), and Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana (Dolphin Plank pose) strengthen muscles in knee joints, which is especially beneficial to people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The benefits of practicing yoga regularly include reduced joint pain, improved joint flexibility and function, and better sleep due to reduced stress and tension.
Tai Chi: Made in China Home Remedy for Arthritis
Tai Chi originated in ancient China. It is now practiced all around the world as a health-promoting activity. The majority of tai chi forms contain fluid, calm, and soft motions.[2]
Tai Chi allows patients to move freely, increases flexibility, and improves blood circulation which in turn improves recovery. Incorporating Tai Chi into your lifestyle will gradually release tight joints and muscles while also promoting optimal health.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture. It is a procedure in which very fine needles are inserted into the skin or muscles.
According to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, the human body has around 2,000 acupuncture sites linked by routes or meridians. Energy (Qi, pronounced “chee”) passes via various routes and is important for total health maintenance. Disruptions in energy flow can trigger sickness.
Acupuncture, according to traditional Chinese medicine, promotes health by increasing the flow of Qi.
Acupuncture is not suitable for everyone. However, there is no harm in giving it a try because it may help ease arthritic symptoms. Make sure to only seek treatment from a licensed and trained acupuncturist.
Eating Healthy
To enjoy a long healthy life one should know how to make their gut happy.
Eating a balanced diet with equal portions of proteins, fibers, vitamins, and healthy carbohydrates is crucial for maintaining good health.
Focus on including fruits, and vegetables: particularly green leafy ones, seafood, nuts, olives, and legumes.
Reduce Intake of processed foods which are high in trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids, as they may result in inflammation if eaten in excess.
Heat And Cold Therapy
The pain and stiffness associated with arthritis can be reduced and eased with both heat and cold treatments. It is often recommended by doctors to patients suffering from arthritis.
The purpose of heat or cold therapy is to stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities. It is an inexpensive method to relieve joint pain. A heating pad or a warm bath is great for soothing stiff joints and tired muscles. By enhancing circulation, heat delivers nutrients to muscles and joints. The cold is best for acute pain since it slows circulation, reduces swelling, and restricts blood vessels. Additionally, it dulls pain by numbing nerve endings.
It may take some time to find out which therapy works best for you, but it’s worth the try.
Also Read:
Herbal Home Remedies for Period Pain and Menstrual Cramps
10 Best Foods to Eat if you have Diabetes
10 Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Alcohol Addiction
Nidhi Bhardwaj is a content writer with a creative edge towards science. She is currently pursuing her MBA.
Her love for expressing via words has inspired her to venture into creative writing. She is intrigued to explore various unfamiliar fields and treasures of knowledge the world has to offer.
She desires to share her experience and learnings with readers from all walks of life.