Simple ways to get relief from arthritis pain
FOR A disease that affects so many people all over the world, arthritis is still mostly misunderstood. Many people consider arthritis as a single disease but there are more than 100 different types, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout, being the most common.
There are many myths abound surrounding arthritis such as that it is a crippling disease or an unavoidable stage of aging that happens to all elderly people.
But even those with arthritis can manage the disease and its symptoms so they can live their lives with less discomfort.
“Managing the inflammation and discomfort can be reduced, and movement can be improved,” said Karin McCann of Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals.
Here are a few simple ways to manage and even get relief from arthritis pain:
- Incorporate more exercise into your daily routine
Sufferers may believe that “I can’t exercise if I have arthritis” but the opposite is true. A lack of activity often causes an arthritis sufferer’s joints to get worse. What is best for arthritis sufferers is low-impact exercise such as yoga, water aerobics and even walking on a level surface. These have been proven to yield pain-relieving benefits.
- Use hot or cold packs
Applying cold to an inflamed joint can reduce pain and swelling by numbing the area and constricting blood vessels.
Heat can also soothe aching joints and relax muscles.
Experiment with both ice and heat packs to relieve pain from inflamed joints.
There’s a plant growing in the Western Cape called buchu that contains a mix of antioxidants, bioflavonoids and anti-inflammatory properties that include quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, diosmin, diosphenol and vitamins A, B, and E. Buchu supplements may help arthritis sufferers.
- Topical medications
Topical creams and gels, that have a direct anti-inflammatory effect, can be applied to soothe the discomfort caused by arthritis.
Remember: Ask your doctor before you change or add supplements to your existing list of medications.
