Treatment for arthritis depends upon the cause and type of arthritis, the severity of the disease, age, and occupation. Treatment for arthritis focuses on reducing pain and discomfort and preventing further progression of the disease.

Listed below are the different options for treatment for arthritis:

Medications are the most common treatment for arthritis

Pain-relieving medicines, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, are given to relieve the pain. Listed below are optional allopathic medical treatments for arthritis:

NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Side effects may include stomach irritation, heart problems, and kidney damage.
Steroids: Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, are another treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that reduces inflammation and pain and slows joint damage. Side effects may include thinning of bones, weight gain, and diabetes.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Common DMARDs include methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, and others), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Side effects vary but may include liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and severe lung infections.

Physical therapy and physical exercise are essential parts of treatment for arthritis.

This improves muscle and bone strength, reduces pain and stiffness, and helps maintain healthy joints. The physical therapist decides the physical therapy program for each patient, depending on the type and severity of arthritis. Heating pads and cold packs give temporary relief to inflamed joints.

Surgical treatment for arthritis

Surgery of joints is considered in cases where the above treatments fail. It is done to maintain a normal lifestyle. Listed below are the surgery options available:

Joint repair. Joint surfaces can sometimes be smoothed or realigned to reduce pain and improve function. These procedures can often be performed arthroscopically through small incisions over the joint.
Joint replacement. This procedure removes your damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. The joints most commonly replaced are the hips and knees.
Joint fusion. This procedure is often used for smaller joints, such as those in the wrist, ankle, and fingers. It removes the ends of the two bones in the joint and then locks those ends together until they heal into one rigid unit.

However, in recent times, most people are going for natural treatment for arthritis because of its proven effectiveness in treating arthritis without causing any side effects.

Arthritis: Definition

If you suffer from arthritis, you’ll experience tenderness and swelling in one or more of your joints. The condition worsens over time; the most common symptoms include joint stiffness and pain. There are over twenty forms of arthritis, but the most common ones are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system damages the joints, starting with the lining of your joints. You can suffer from gout if you have excessive uric acid in your blood. Infections and other diseases like lupus or psoriasis can also lead to arthritis.

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, treatment will vary. The primary aim of arthritis is to minimize symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Natural treatments for arthritis and home remedies for arthritis in the form of Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathy for arthritis can be beneficial.

What is arthritis?

When most people think about arthritis, they primarily associate it with the elderly. This assumption has some factual basis, as the disease is the most common among senior citizens. However, it can affect people of all ages, including young children. It is common for people to think of arthritis as a single disease, but it encompasses more than 100 different diseases, many of which are pretty different.

While there are over a hundred types of arthritis, some of which affect the body differently, several symptoms are shared across the different kinds of arthritis. The disease typically affects the various joints in the body, commonly causing inflammation, swelling, and general stiffness in the affected joints. Among senior citizens, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often affecting the knees.

Arthritis is inflammation of joints that results in pain, stiffness, and swelling of the affected joint. The word “arthritis” is derived from the Greek word “arthron,” which means joint, and the Latin word “it is,” meaning inflammation. Arthritis includes a group of diseases that affect the joints and tissues surrounding the joints. It is one of the leading causes of immobility in people over 50.

Most people think that arthritis is restricted only to joints, but unfortunately, this disease also affects nearly any organ in the human body or the system of the human body. Some other affected areas are blood vessels, the heart, skin, kidneys, and lungs. Conditions relating to this disease typically primarily affect the bones and muscles but also affect organs.

What causes arthritis?

The exact cause of arthritis is not fully known at this point. However, some factors may contribute to arthritis: stress, obesity, and jobs that require repetitive movements of a particular joint socket. This includes clerical workers, computer programmers, warehouse people, and sportspeople. For example, football players tend to develop arthritis in their knees and ankles due to injuries sustained to these parts. There is evidence. However, that suggests that physically active people who are not injured have a lower risk of arthritis. Some studies have suggested that gout may sometimes contribute to causing arthritis.

Typically, joints are covered with smooth cartilage that protects the joint and allows smooth movement. When cartilage is broken, the smooth surface becomes irregular, and the bones rub together, causing pain and inflammation. Other arthritis causes are listed below:

General wear and tear of the joint, causing osteoarthritis, is one of the causes of arthritis.
Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
Infection (a bacterial infection that results in septic arthritis)
Trauma or repeated injury (post-traumatic arthritis)

In some cases, inflammation is temporary and goes away after some time, whereas in arthritic joints, the inflammation is chronic and may cause long-lasting disability. Arthritis affects men, women, and children. A person who is overweight is at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Note: One of the questions often asked is ‘’does cracking knuckles cause arthritis?’’ The answer is that cracking knuckles is not harmful or beneficial. This means cracking knuckles does not cause arthritis.

Types of arthritis

Listed below are the common types of arthritis

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis resulting from trauma, overuse of the joint, and degeneration of joint cartilage due to the natural aging process.

Juvenile rheumatoid

This is a type of arthritis that is common in children

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, long-lasting disease that affects approximately 1% of the world’s population. It is caused by the body’s immune system attacking its cells and destroying the joint surfaces.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is a psychosomatic disorder mainly affecting the skin, but joints are also involved as the disease progresses.

Natural remedies for arthritis

Natural remedies for arthritis are effective and generally safe. Arthritis is not a deadly disease; however, the disease can be disabling and very challenging to manage. The disease is more prevalent among older groups of people. Among the age group 18–44 years, about 7% reported arthritis. Of people between 45 and 64 years of age, nearly 30% experienced arthritis. Whereas for people over 65, almost 50% reported suffering from arthritis. Generally, prescription drugs and conventional treatment prescribed for arthritis focus on inflammation and pain control only, while natural remedies for arthritis often lead to improvement of the joints’ functions. Natural remedies for arthritis usually work slower than traditional painkillers and steroids; however, natural and home remedies for arthritis can be beneficial and safe.

Natural remedies for arthritis are easily accessible, may cause zero or just a few minor side effects, and sometimes can provide remarkable results.

Natural remedies for arthritis

Types of Arthritis

Various forms of arthritis are listed below.

Thumb arthritis
Septic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Reactive arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Joint infections
Gout
Ankylosing Spondylitis

Other less common types of arthritis are reactive arthritis, gonococci arthritis, tuberculosis arthritis, viral arthritis, systemic lupus arthritis, and scleroderma.

Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the form of arthritis you’re having. The most common symptoms include the joints. You can also suffer from other symptoms, such as:

Diminished active and passive range of motion
Redness
Swelling
Stiffness
Pain

Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

Pain or aching in more than one joint.
Stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in more than one joint
Weight loss.
Fatigue or tiredness.

For various symptoms, home remedies for arthritis offer a safe and effective remedy. They are also significantly safer. Various home remedies for arthritis can be effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis. Natural remedies for arthritis, like Chinese herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture for arthritis, can be beneficial.

Joint pain

Arthritis Risk Factors

If you fall under the categories listed below, you’ll have an increased chance of experiencing arthritis:

If your parents or siblings suffer from arthritis, there’s a possibility that you’ll have it, too.
Chances of arthritis also increase with age, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
Your gender may have an effect. A study shows that arthritis is more common among women than men.
A previous joint injury can also increase the chances of arthritis.
Suffering from excessive weight will put a lot of stress on your joints, especially on your spine, hips, and knees. If you’re suffering from obesity, you’ll also have higher chances of arthritis.

Natural remedies for arthritis: a holistic approach to treatment for arthritis

Generally, prescription drugs recommended for arthritis are limited to the following groups:

Painkillers: These medicines reduce pain but do not decrease inflammation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, and Triamcinolone)

However, natural remedies for arthritis and lifestyle changes can cause remarkable results.

Weight loss is an essential part of natural treatment for arthritis

Excessive weight will add a lot of stress to your knees, increasing the chances of arthritis. The extra pressure makes the cartilage between your joints rapidly break down and increases the probability of osteoarthritis.

If you have excessive weight or are obese, losing extra weight can reduce the pressure on your joints, minimizing stiffness and pain symptoms. Along with other home remedies for arthritis, you should make lifestyle choices like losing weight.

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential ingredient in the list of natural remedies for arthritis.

Omega-3 fatty acids effectively regulate your immune system and reduce inflammation. Some studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Sardines, tuna, salmon, cold-water fish, seeds, and nuts are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take omega-3 supplements.

These fatty acids can be beneficial, along with other natural remedies for arthritis. They possess various health benefits.

Natural treatments for arthritis

Natural treatment for arthritis is a safe and effective way to relieve your arthritis pain and inflammation. Natural treatment for arthritis nourishes the joints to reduce the destruction of the joints’ surface and prevent future damage.

Listed below are natural remedies for arthritis

Home remedies for arthritis—the most common form of natural treatment for arthritis

Home remedies for arthritis are one of the natural remedies that are effective in treating arthritis. When dealing with arthritis, there are many ways to eliminate joint pain. Here are some home remedies for arthritis that are considered excellent:

Cold:

It curbs joint swelling and inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the affected joint. This is one treatment for joint pain. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes at a time. Take at least a 30-minute break between treatments.

Heat:

It relaxes your muscles and spurs blood flow. You can use a moist heating pad or a warm, damp towel. You can also use heat therapy in the shower. Let the warm water hit the painful area of your body.

Epsom salt bath

This treatment effectively reduces arthritis-related swelling, improves blood circulation, and relieves joint pain. The high magnesium content in Epsom salt baths promotes the release of lactic acid from muscle tissue. Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. For joint pain relief, the patients should take two cups of Epsom salts into a warm water bath and soak in it. Take a bath in this water for half an hour. You can keep hot water in the tub to keep the water warm.

Calcium

A study shows that calcium lactate is an effective home remedy for arthritis. Joint pain disappears after taking calcium. Two spoons full of calcium lactate take approximately four hundred milligrams of absorbed calcium salt thrice daily with water.

Exercise and massage are two essential natural treatments for arthritis.

Moderate and regular exercise can have therapeutic effects on arthritis. Exercise helps preserve a body’s mobility and strengthens the muscles to support the joints. Exercises may be performed to help ease pressure on joints while half the body is in water. Swimming is also a good choice—the body is engaged in movement while the buoyancy of the water prevents too much stress on the joints.

Massage and heat applications are also quite helpful. Massages, when done right, can help promote circulation in the joints. Heat applications can also bring about relief. One way to induce relaxation would be to soak joints in tolerably hot water for a few minutes. This has been shown to bring relief, albeit temporarily.

Yoga, a traditional Indian natural treatment for arthritis

This mix of low-impact exercise, breathing, and meditation was developed in India some 5,000 years ago. It’s good for your body and mind. It can ease joint pain, improve flexibility, and reduce stress and tension. Studies show it can lower chemicals that cause inflammation and stress.

Arthritis diet: a mandatory part of any approach to the treatment of arthritis

The arthritis diet is one of the most effective natural remedies for arthritis since many foods can ease inflammation and may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis.

Listed below is an arthritis diet recommendation that should be considered

Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel

These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. To keep your sodium in check, be sure to choose lower-sodium options when purchasing canned items.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as cauliflower, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are also a diet for arthritis that is effective in treating arthritis.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, is a diet for arthritis found in many curries. Research shows it blocks proteins that cause inflammation and may ease pain, as well as some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis diet limitations

Added sugars

You should limit your sugar intake no matter what, especially if you have arthritis. Added sugars are found in candy, soda, ice cream, and numerous other foods, including less obvious items like barbecue sauce.

Processed and red meats

Some research links red and processed meat to inflammation, which may increase arthritis symptoms.

Gluten foods

Gluten is a group of proteins in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Gluten foods increase inflammation, and it is ideal to go for a gluten-free diet to reduce arthritis symptoms.

Alcohol

Alcohol may worsen arthritis symptoms; anyone with inflammatory arthritis should restrict or avoid it.

Foods high in salt content

Cutting back on salt may be a good choice for people with arthritis. Foods high in salt include shrimp, canned soup, pizza, certain cheeses, processed meats, and numerous other processed items.

Homeopathy for arthritis: the #1 natural treatment for arthritis

Homeopathy for Arthritis offers a safe and effective treatment for the condition. Homeopathy is so effective because it can get to the root of the problem, making it possible to find an effective and long-term remedy. All ages and genders can use it, and there are very few side effects. There is no single remedy, and homeopathic remedies for arthritis can target various forms of arthritis. Some common homeopathic remedies for arthritis include Rhus toxicodendron, Pulsatilla, Ledum palustre, Calcarea phosphorica, Bryonia, Belladonna, Arnica, and Aconitum napellus.

Homeopathic remedies for arthritis have no known side effects. Additionally, it can be combined with other alternative and natural treatments to increase the chances of positive results.

Acupuncture: a traditional Chinese natural treatment for arthritis

Acupuncture for arthritis is another excellent option. This ancient Chinese technique involves placing very thin needles in specific points of the body to relieve arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture is known to be effective in reducing inflammation and relieving chronic pain, which can benefit arthritis patients. As a holistic treatment for arthritis, acupuncture can be helpful, especially for rheumatoid inflammation, which includes painful inflammation.

This traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest natural pain remedies. It uses super-fine needles to stimulate energy along pathways in your body called meridians. The goal is to correct imbalances of energy, or qi.

Acupuncture for arthritis lowers the levels of chemicals in the body linked to inflammation. It also helps with chronic pain, especially back pain. It is also one of the ideal treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

However, it’ll take several sessions to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Many studies also establish acupuncture as a beautiful complement to allopathic or alternative treatments. Acupuncture, as a natural treatment for arthritis, has no known side effects, and no bleeding is associated. Acupuncture can provide effective results for patients who don’t see good results from other methods.

Chinese Herbs for Arthritis: Effective Natural Remedies for Arthritis

Along with alternative and home remedies for arthritis, Chinese herbs can provide excellent results. There are various Chinese herbs; generally, only a single herb is not prescribed. Various Chinese herbs for arthritis are combined to target various symptoms and conditions. Commonly used Chinese herbs for arthritis include Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan, turmeric, Thunder God Vine, and Lei Gong Teng.

Various herbs are used, so you must experiment with a few before finding an adequate remedy. Chinese herbs have little or no side effects, but they can counteract other medications, so you should consult your doctor before trying them for arthritis.

Conclusion

Living with arthritis can be very challenging and impair various aspects of your life. However, with effective treatment, you can reduce the symptoms to such a degree that it doesn’t affect your life in any way. If you want a less aggressive and holistic treatment for arthritis, the home remedies and alternative treatments mentioned above can provide beautiful results.

At the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic, various natural remedies for arthritis are available without leaving the office. Our clinic is the home for holistic and natural treatment in Philadelphia, and all our providers are the best.

To schedule an initial comprehensive evaluation appointment, contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic at (267) 403-3085 or use our online application.