Osteoarthritis: Natural Ways to Manage the Pain and Inflammation

Osteoarthritis is a slow degenerative joint disease. It primarily affects the cartilage. The ends of bones and joints are covered with cartilage, which is a slippery tissue that makes it possible for bones to glide over each other. Cartilage absorbs the impact of movement. Osteoarthritis is when the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears out. Bones under the cartilage rub together which causes inflammation, stiffness and pain. Overtime bone spurs may develop or bits of bone or cartilage may break off and float inside the joint area. The joints may become deformed resulting in resticted or lost mobility. The most commonly affected joints are in the hands, feet, knees, ankles, hips, neck and back.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is estimated that more than half of the population over age 65 has osteoarthritis in at least one joint. The exact cause of arthritis is unknown. There are factors that increase your risk such as:

There are actions you can take to relieve the pain and inflammation of the arthritic joints. Loose excess weight to lighten the load on your joints. Choose a gentle form of daily exercise such as swimming, walking, yoga, tai chi and stretching. Try out basic meditation and acupuncture. Wear supportive comfortable shoes throughout the day. Take soothing hand, foot and full body baths. Get a professional all body massage as often as once a week if possible. Use topical ointments and creams that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties such as emu oil, hempseed oil, essential oils of: German chamomile, helichrysum italicum, cypress, juniper berry, lavender, myrrh, carrot seed, rosemary and sweet marjoram.

If you have stiffness, pain and swelling in your joints for more than 2 weeks make an appointment with your doctor for a complete examination and diagnosis.

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