Arthritis: The good, the bad and the ugly

Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis: The good, the bad and the ugly

By: - February 27, 2017

Today Arthritis has affected so many people across the globe; it features right next to cardiac disorders, obesity and even common flu.

What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a symptom, not a disease. Any stiffness, swelling or pain around bones and joints can be termed as Arthritis and it is most prevalent in old people and women. But it is not confined to them, anybody can have arthritis. There are more than 100 types of Arthritis and some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin beside Musculoskeletal problems. The two main types of Arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis has affected more than 3.8% while Rheumatoid arthritis has affected about 0.24% people worldwide.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the wear and tear of bones and joint cartilage over the years. Considering it as a joint pain condition and trying anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers is definitely a bad idea because of side effects. In Osteoarthritis the joints may swell and become larger, stiff and painful. It is different from Rheumatoid arthritis in which body’s immune system attacks the joints on genetic or environmental trigger.

Erosion of surfaces of the joints results in deformity and loss of function in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment is mostly aimed at reducing pain, decreasing inflammation and improving the patient’s functioning. Corrective surgery to repair or replace the joints is also an option in certain conditions. But there are several natural ways to relive the inflammation and reduce pain like Diet, Yoga, Naturopathy, Hydrotherapy, Hot and Cold Therapy, Acupuncture and weight loss. One can avail these remedies at Naturopathy and Retreat centre like Nimba Nature Cure Village.

Arthritis cure varies from person to person as per the onset of disease. But the herbal supplements and common natural remedies can be applied to alleviate the associated pain and swelling. Arthritis Diet typically should include food with omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid; like Fish oil, Evening Primrose oil, Sunflower oil, Corn oil, Peanut oil, Cottonseed oil, Hemp oil etc. Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Lemon, Borage and Epsom salt are generally included in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment.

If you feel swelling and pain around joints too often, and you feel loss of mobility; this could be a valid reason to seek expert opinion and intervention because prevention is the biggest mode of Osteoarthritis Treatment and Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment.

Here is the list of DOs and DON’Ts if you are experiencing something wrong with the joints.

DOs

– Do eat lots of fruits and vegetables
– Do include fish oil supplements in the diet
– Do drink lots of water
– Do non-impact stretching and exercises
– Do lose excessive weight
– Do Yoga and Meditation
– Do massage the affected joints lightly regularly
– Do rest and sleep well
– Do hot and cold treatment with heating pad or damp towels
– Do use alternative treatment like Acupuncture and Magnet therapy
– Go for Naturopathy and Herbal healthcare programs
– Do use assistive devices

DON’Ts

– Don’t smoke cigarettes
– Don’t play sports that impact on joints
– Don’t overeat spicy and fried food
– Don’t be overrun by stress
– Don’t take excessive medications or self-medications
– Don’t over consume coffee, tea, cocoa or chocolates
– Don’t ignore the symptoms of swelling and pain
– Don’t get injuries of Musculoskeletal system