what are the natural ways to treat arthritis?

Answer 1

chondroitin plus glucosamine
Does not work for everybody but for some its a relief.
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/gait/

Answer 2

Stay active and exercise. Stretching exercises will help ward off stiffness.

Stay hydrated: If your body is dehydrated, it increases the pain from inflammation.

Supplements: Some people swear by Glucosamine - but it hasn't been proven effective for those who suffer with arthritis in the back, or joints prone to impact such as the knees.

Eat Spicy Foods: Foods containing hot peppers as an ingredient naturally decrease inflammation. Capsacin is the substance that allows this to happen.

I am assuming that you want to avoid medication. However, some OTC medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can offer some relief on days where the symptoms are more severe.

Answer 3

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years (with multiple hip replacements/revison surgeries and hand surgeries)and have tried many of the treatments over the years and the only thing I have found to help is to stay positive, happy and active within your own limits. As there are over 115 different types of arthritis, with the cause of each being as individual as the person dealing with arthritis, so are the treatments (natural or medical) that help that person.
My best advise is to do what feels best for you. Only you can tell others what helps and doesn't help.
I take prescription meds as I have not found a natural treatment that helps me beyond what I have said above.
I could go on for hours about what I have experienced but take all advise with a grain of salt and be careful as some of the treatments I have heard of over the years can actually be harmful or a waste of money. Chondroitin (sp?)for example is very good for osteoarthritis and has not been proven to help RA as the disease process is different as is the cause.
Stay healthy, active and be happy!!!

Answer 4

I had an ankle fusion on July 3rd. due to arthritis, also an injury suffered years back on same ankle surgery was performed. That started post traumatic arthritis and it got worse and worse. I took everything possible before my fusion surgery. I even had cortisone shots in the ankle.
Nothing worked. It got to the point for 3 weeks my ankle would not allow me to put weight on it, that's when I knew fusion was my only answer.. I am 11 weeks out from surgery. I have much need time for recovery but even though I am in pain, it will go away. I no longer have arthritis in my right ankle. My suggestion try cortisone injections if the pills do not work. Then go from there.

Answer 5

Bless you if you are going through arthritis. I've read 22 answers because I thought someone would come up with an answer that might work. Read some good ones too! Just out of curiosity did your Dr. ever mention Gout?

Being you asked.....Try cherry or plum juice. Fresh or
dried. It may take a few days to a week but I believe it will relieve the pain. Got nothing to lose do ya?

Bless your Heart and Good Luck finding relief.

Answer 6

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you'd be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you'd never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

I know this sounds impossible right now, but bear with me, because sometimes miracles happen.

It was a gift from a woman on the other side of the world. From the kindness of her heart, she took pity on my suffering and taught me how to completely reverse my arthritis.

Today, I want to do the same for you!

Answer 7

My husband has Osteoarthritis pretty bad, had stomach & digestive problems with Anti-Inflammatories and we treat it solely naturally now.
1. Know your limitations - adapt your life to take repetitive strain off the problem areas. Physio therapists can help with strengthening exercises, doctors may suggest bracing if advanced.
2. Do Yoga or Tai Chi daily - seems to provide relief with flexibility, always more pain when he falls off his daily routine
3. Potatoes, peppers, eggplant, tobacco, known as the Nightshade family of vegetables have been proven to aggrivate arthritic joints in some people. May want to try to avoid them for a couple weeks, then reintroduce and see if any reaction the next day. If they bother you, you'll know it.
4. Purchase the book "Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type" Dr. P. D'Adamo. It was the single most important thing we did. Guides you through avoiding food aggrivants for each Blood Type and it does work. I have Osteoarthritis in my finger joints and the swelling and pain are compounded severly if I consume wheat or corn the day previous. He also has protocols for each Blood Type for supplementing with things like Glucosamine, fish oils etc. EVERYTHING is not for everyone so it is nice to have a guide from a medical professional. Don't want to be killed with the cure, if you know what I mean.
5. Mental aspect - Do not dwell and fret on the problem areas, keep telling your body that it is well and is healing. Positive thought is paramount. Try to envision healthy joints, no swelling, no pain...your healthy joints. We will become what we fear the most so we mustn't dwell on the negative. Be optimistic there is plenty you can do to help yourself. Cheers

Answer 8

Arthritis Treatment
http://www.arthritisinfo4u.com/category/Arthritis-Treatment.html

How to Treat Arthritis
http://www.arthritisinfo4u.com/category/How-to-Treat-Arthritis.html

Answer 9

I have osteoarthitis in my back. I stopped eating meat and tomatoes 9 yrs. ago and it hasn't gotten any worse. Also, I take vit. E,D,C. B-50, and A Calciuum magnesium zinc supplement. I put flax seed meal on my cereal and in soups and stews. I never eatfast food, white rice, white potatoes, white pasta or white bread. I am 71 years old and still get around quite well with no assistance. However, if I deviate from this regime I notice a difference immediately. The other suggestions are good , also. I take no arthritis medication except an occassional ibruprofen.

Answer 10

Nearly 30 years ago I was having a terrible time with arthritis pains in my hands. Before I went to a doctor I mentioned to one of my brothers that I was waking up screaming at night because my hands were like claws and I couldn't even open them up.

My brother told me that he had seen an interview on 60 MInutes with a doctor from our home town. The doctor had a very bad case of arthritis and had fasted to get everything out of his system. He reintroduced foods 1 at a time a noted the effects. Red meat caused him the most trouble.

When I heard about that I stopped eating red meat and it made an enormous difference in my life! I hope it will do so for you as well.

Answer 11

There is a special supplement called Hyaluronic Acid which I take. I have been taking it for about 1 year. It is made from chicken sternums, and also has collagen II. I heard of it from many different sources. It truly has helped the arthritis in my knees. I don't feel the pain at all anymore. I originally began taking it for my skin. Then, after researching it in depth, I discovered it's other advantages. It is worth trying. I am a true skeptic, but I wouldn't lead you wrong. You can get it from vitacost.com, it's not too terribly expensive. Hyaluronic Acid.