Joint problems become common with ageing affecting millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in which the water content of the cartilage increases and the protein make of cartilage degenerates. Over the years, repetitive use of joints can damage any joint, osteoarthritis most commonly affects in your hands, knees, hips and spine.
The treatment of osteoarthritis can be done with anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers. However, some medications cause side effects, and a natural approach to pain relief is becoming more popular. Let’s look for natural ways to get relief from this disorder:
- Loose some pounds
- Try Epsom Salt bath
- Collagen supplements
- Medication
- Natural remedies
- Support Devices
- Hot and Cold Compress
Loose Extra Body weight to stay active
It becomes difficult to brisk walking, exercise or any other heavy physical activity with the painful joints. But if you take little steps to stay active, it can help you with pain in the long run. It will even strengthen muscles to prevent further joint damage. The arthritis foundation says, “In osteoarthritis, the most effective nondrug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement is staying active by doing suitable exercises. You can go for Options like: bike riding, swimming, tai chi, walking, yoga etc.
If you haven’t been active before, talk to your doctor before starting any particular exercises.
Try Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt contains magnesium that may help with inflammation and pain. The baths with epsom salt can provide allover relief, especially for joint pain. You can buy Epsom salt from a drugstore. These baths are safe enough to take as often as you’d like for 30 minutes at a time. Use 2 cups of Epsom salt in a bath of warm water at a temperature of about 102°F (38°C).
Consume Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements are great for joints health. It’s been suggested that taking collagen can improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis by stimulating your body’s production of joint collagen. It may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain overall. Type 2 collagen is found in our cartilage and taking these supplements will help you to protect and rebuild your joint cartilage.
Medication
There are a number of medications that are good for osteoarthritis pain. Always have a word with your doctor before starting any of them. These medications may help in reducing pain and help in cop with it better. Common over-the-counter medications are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Prescription medications include oxycodone and hydrocodone. Corticosteroid injection is another option at the site of your joint pain. This is normally only given if the pain is very severe.
Natural remedies
Conditions like Osteoarthritis can be treated by natural remedies. Compared to traditional medications, some people believe they may be safer since they have fewer side effects. Talk to your doctor about the following natural remedies. “Natural” herbal supplements can carry side effects and interact with medicines you might take. Always be sure to buy supplements from a reputable source.
Support Devices
To add or offer support without any need of medications can be done by various types of assistive devices. It could be braces, canes, grabbing or gripping tools knee taping (be sure to have your doctor or physical therapist show you first), shoe inserts etc. These devices can be choose according to affected joints.
Hot and Cold Compress
Hot and cold compresses may be very beneficial when it comes to pain. Like medication, there is no risk of long-term side effects. For joint stiffness, heat can be helpful and cold compresses are best for joint pain. Compresses can reduce muscle pain or spasms surrounding a joint. Making a compress can be as simple as using a warm or cold towel.