5 Everyday Habits to Follow For Arthritis Pain Relief
People aged above 50 often complain about chronic knee pain and stiffness in their knee joints. The ache and the stiffness are nothing but symptoms of Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs because of the wear and tear of the tissues in our knees. It is the most common type of arthritis, which you get to see in aging people. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout, caused by weak immune system and high level of uric acid in blood respectively, are other two commonly seen types of arthritis.
You must know that there is a long list of different kinds and forms of arthritis known to the medical world.
If you suspect that you may have arthritis, it is advisable to immediately book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.
Meanwhile, there are some easy habits for arthritis pain relief, which you can start implementing in your daily routine. These habits might not cure your arthritis, but they are sure to lessen your pain and help you in the long run.
Here are the 5 daily habits one can inculcate for arthritis pain relief:
Meditation
Meditation is the best mind and body relaxing technique known for arthritis pain relief. Doctors and researchers have noticed that when we are stressed or depressed, our body releases chemicals like cortisol, which suppress our immune system and increase our pain. Meditation helps you keep your stress levels in check and strengthens your immune system. It also helps you relax your muscles, which tense up and knot because of the arthritis pain.
Try meditating every day for about 20–30 minutes. For best results, combine physical training and meditation and form a daily routine, which is sure to keep you fit and focused.
Acupuncture
This age-old Chinese treatment is used by doctors from across the globe to treat arthritis. In acupuncture, a licensed acupuncturist will poke needles into the specific trigger points of the body. By doing so, they restore and free your trapped body energy. Acupuncture increases the amount of endorphin in your body, which are natural pain relievers. The needles also increase your blood circulation and ensure that the affected area is pumped up with blood. The best thing about acupuncture is that this arthritis pain relief method is effective for any and every kind of arthritis.
Ice packs & hot bags
The age-old heat & cold therapy can never go out of fashion. For arthritis pain relief, 2–3 times a day, for about 15–20 minutes, place a hot bag on the affected joints. Heat helps in the relaxation of the tensed muscle caused by arthritis. It also ensures that your blood flows effortlessly in the affected area. Also, taking a long, hot shower every morning and night will help in alleviating the pain. Though cold therapy is not as effective as heat for arthritis, it helps in numbing the inflammation in the joints.
Physiotherapy
Many orthopedic specialists these days are recommending their patients to opt for physiotherapy while they are getting their arthritis treated. Though cold and heat therapy might give you temporary arthritis pain relief, sometimes it does not seem enough. A physiotherapist will come up with a customized set of exercises for you, which will make sure that your affected joints are not completely immobilized because of the pain. Your session will increase the flexibility of the pain-ridden joints, thereby strengthening them and making sure they function properly. A half hour session for a week or two is enough to get effective arthritis pain relief. However, it is best to discuss this with your orthopedic.
Indulge in cherry juice & turmeric tea
You might be surprised to know that cherry helps in preventing gout. Not just that, it also acts as an effective way to get arthritis pain relief in the case of osteoarthritis. Wondering how cherry helps? It is because of the anthocyanins found in cherries. Anthocyanin is a chemical found in many red-purple fruits and it possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The best cherries to consume are the tart cherries which contain a high level of anthocyanins. There is no secret in the fact that turmeric is one of the best anti-inflammatory elements known to mankind. Turmeric acts as a remedy to get arthritis pain relief because it possesses a chemical called curcumin which reduces arthritis-related pain. Its antibacterial and immunoregulatory property helps prevent arthritis infection in case of rheumatoid arthritis. One of the best ways to consume turmeric is by having turmeric tea, in which you can also add black pepper, honey, and other herbs for added benefits.
With the daily habits mentioned in this article, proper treatment, and few conscious lifestyle changes, you can conquer the battle of arthritis.