Arthritis refers to several conditions characterized by joint pain and inflammation. There are over a hundred different types of arthritis. Depending on the type, it can be extremely painful and interfere with daily activities, or it can go unnoticed for years and be easily managed.
Two common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), respectively.
OA is the most common of all types of arthritis. It is typically caused by:
- Overuse of joints
- By cartilage wear and tear,
Through,
- Physical activity,
- Obesity,
- Or past or present injuries that cause bones to rub together, resulting in friction, damage, and inflammation.
This condition usually affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, feet, and spine and develops gradually.
RA is a systemic condition that causes symptoms all over the body. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.
Although there is no cure for arthritis, treatments have greatly improved in recent years. It is beneficial to start treatment early for many types of arthritis, especially for inflammatory arthritis.
Doctors can prescribe medication to treat arthritis pain, but they also frequently recommend natural remedies.
Watch your weight
Your weight can have a significant impact on your arthritic symptoms. Extra weight puts additional strain on your joints, particularly your knees, hips, and feet.
If you have OA and are overweight or obese, experts strongly advise you to lose weight.
Your doctor can assist you in establishing a weight-loss goal and developing a program to help you achieve that goal.
Losing weight and reducing the stress on your joints can help:
- Enhance your mobility
- Reduce pain and,
- Prevent future joint damage
Exercise your joints
When you have arthritis, movement can help you feel better by reducing pain and stiffness, improving your range of motion, strengthening your muscles, and increasing endurance.
Go for activities that will build the muscles around your joints while causing no harm to the joints themselves. A physical or occupational therapist can assist you in developing an exercise program that is appropriate for you.
Make stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and progressive strength training an important part of your exercise routine. Incorporate low-impact aerobic exercise into your daily routines, such as walking, cycling, tai-chi, or water exercises, to boost your mood and aid in weight loss.
Maintain a healthy diet
A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can help your immune system and overall health. There is some evidence that dietary choices can have an impact on people with RA and OA.
A plant-based diet contains antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation by removing free radicals from the body.
A diet high in red meat, processed foods, saturated fat, added sugar, and salt, on the other hand, may aggravate arthritic inflammation. Although current OA guidelines do not recommend taking vitamin D or fish oil supplements as a treatment, eating foods containing these nutrients as part of a well-balanced diet may help with overall well-being.
CBD oil for Arthritis pain
CBD oil is a product of the cannabis plant. CBD, unlike other cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), does not cause a euphoric “high.” This is because CBD does not affect the same receptors as THC.
Research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) oil may be useful in the treatment of arthritis. CBD oil is made up of cannabis plant extracts. Some people treat pain caused by chronic conditions such as arthritis using CBD oil.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there is anecdotal evidence that some people with arthritis who use CBD report noticeable pain relief, improved sleep, or reduced anxiety. CBD has also proven effective in the treatment of this. For more information about CBD products you can visit https://cbdfx.com.
Acupuncture is an option worth considering.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. It is said to work by rerouting energies and restoring balance in your body, according to practitioners.
It has been shown that acupuncture can reduce arthritis pain, and the American College of Rheumatology, in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation (ACR/AF) recommends it on a case-by-case basis. While there isn’t enough evidence to back up its benefits, the risk of harm is low.
To receive this treatment, make sure you find a licensed and certified acupuncturist.
Heat and Cold
Heat can help relieve pain temporarily by applying heating pads to aching joints, taking hot baths or showers, or immersing painful joints in warm paraffin wax. Take care not to overheat. Apply heating pads for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
Cold therapy, such as applying ice packs to sore muscles, can help to relieve pain and inflammation following strenuous exercise.
Final thoughts
Arthritis has no known cure, so it is essential to make lifestyle changes to manage the condition. Balance activity and rest, quit smoking, practice good posture and keep your joints moving.