7 Ways To Alleviate Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterized by painful inflammation and stiffness in the joints. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 52.5 million U.S. adults suffer from either arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, or lupus. If you have arthritis, check out these 7 ways to alleviate arthritis.

#1) Maintain a Healthy Weight

The first step in reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis is to manage your weight. Individuals who are overweight will experience more arthritis flareups, and with worsening symptoms. The excess weight places pressure against the already inflamed joints, causing additional pain and stiffness.

#2) Reduce inflammation

Whether your arthritis is minor or severe, you should get into the habit of taking a daily joint supplement. Glucosamine and chondroitin are powerful compounds which have been proven to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. These two compounds are building blocks of cartilage, and taking a supplement containing them will protect strengthen your own body’s cartilage while subsequently protecting your joints. Also, there are other herbs found to have vast anti-inflammatory properties, one being Turmeric “Curcumin.” More and more studies are coming out on the powerful benefits of Turmeric, for more info check out this article written by a pioneer in Natural Medicine, Dr. Weil.

#3) Exercise

It’s difficult to stay active when the slightest movements cause sharp pain shooting through your joints. However, you must learn to cope with the pain so your arthritis symptoms will subside. Studies have shown that regular, low-impact exercise (e.g. walking or swimming) will reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

#4) Meditate

You might be surprised to learn that meditation can alleviate arthritis pain and discomfort. The National Institute of Health (NIH) even published an article on its website, citing meditation as being an effective form of treatment for people with joint pain.

#5) Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health, but they are particularly beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. Omega-3s strengthen and protect the joints, which in turn alleviates the symptoms of arthritis. Wild-caught fish is an excellent source of omega 3s, as well as extra-virgin olive oil.

#6) Sauna

If you have to choose, pick heat over ice for chronic joint pain. Heat improves blood flow, while ice constricts. This is one theory on why sauna therapy is beneficial for inflammation and chronic pain. In a recent study in the Journal Clinical Rheumatology, found that those doing infrared sauna sessions {4 week period in this study} noted a decrease in pain, stiffness, and increased energy following sessions. For starting any new therapy, best to ease in. Recommend starting with 10 minute sauna sessions and working up to 20-30 minute sessions 3-5x week for the best benefit from sauna therapy.

#7) Acupuncture

You might have guessed I was saving the best for last. Even acupuncture can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort of arthritis. There are now hundreds of studies showing just how acupuncture works and what it can do for arthritis. In a recent study found that those receiving acupuncture {for arthritis in the knees}, showed a significant decrease in knee pain and found the results to last at the four months post‐treatment follow-up.

Another study showed that acupuncture alone or combined with other treatment modalities is beneficial to the clinical conditions of rheumatoid arthritis, without adverse effects reported. In addition they noted that acupuncture can also work to improve function and quality of life. This study also mentioned possible mechanisms of how acupuncture worked including anti-inflammatory effect, anti-oxidative effects, and regulation of immune system function.

Read Dr. Heintze’s previous post on how acupuncture can help arthritis, here.

If you suffer from arthritis and looking for safe, effective ways to increase function and decrease pain, contact our office at (425) 686-4498 to schedule your initial consultation to learn how we can help.

Sources:

Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003788.pub2/abstract

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2018/8596918/

Sauna therapy and arthritis: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y