Arthritis Pain Slowing You Down? 3 Natural Ways to Alleviate the Discomfort

If arthritis is preventing you from enjoying life, it may be time to add a bit of natural relief to your daily regimen. Natural pain relief can be a welcome addition to the pain relief medication your doctors have prescribed. Natural pain relief methods allow you to treat the pain, inflammation, and stiffness of arthritis in a safe and effective way. Here are three simple methods to alleviate the pain and discomfort of arthritis:

1. Get Some Exercise

It may sound counterproductive to go out and exercise when your joints hurt, but exercise can actually reduce the inflammation that's causing your pain. Low-impact activities such as swimming or water aerobics can help loosen joints and muscles, which can help reduce the debilitating effects of arthritis. In addition to the pain-relief benefits associated with exercise, it can also help you lose weight—which can further reduce pain and discomfort.

2. Think Hot and Cold

If you're sticking with either hot or cold treatments, you're missing the other half of an excellent pain-relief method for arthritis. Heat helps loosen joints and increase flexibility, while cold helps relieve pain.

Heat Relief

To help loosen stiff, painful joints—especially in the morning and late evening—try applying heat to the affected areas. For full-body relief, place a shower chair in the shower and turn the warm water on. Allow the water to flow over your entire body for maximum relief. If you'd prefer dry heat, place a heating pad or electric blanket on the affected area.

Cold Relief

For painful joints, also try a bit of cold therapy. Applying cold packs to your arthritic joints will help alleviate the pain. Place an ice pack on the affected area and leave it in place for about 15 minutes. If you don't have access to an ice pack, you can also use a bag of frozen vegetables. You can even make your own reusable ice pack using water, rubbing alcohol, and a one-gallon resealable plastic baggie. Fill the baggie with one cup water and two cups rubbing alcohol. Place the baggie in the freezer and allow it to freeze. The rubbing alcohol will prevent the water from freezing to a solid state. Instead, the contents will resemble a frozen slush.

3. Add Some Turmeric

If you like Indian cuisine, you're in luck. Turmeric, a spice that is used quite often in Indian dishes, is effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Try adding the spice to your foods on a daily basis to receive the maximum benefit of it.

If you have arthritis, you need effective pain relief. In addition to the treatment your physician prescribes for you, use the tips provided here to alleviate the pain and discomfort you experience. Look for further information about natural pain-relief methods for arthritis on related sites.


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