Your Guide To The Top 5 Alternative Therapy Treatment Options For Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful disease that involves swelling and stiffness of the joints, among other symptoms. There are over one hundred types of arthritis, and the symptoms are wide and varied. Most forms of arthritis, however, have some common symptoms, including joint pain, stiffness, tenderness and restricted movement. I have described the top five alternative therapy treatment options for arthritis in this article. This article does not constitute medical advice and should not replace advice from your doctor.
Diet. Eating a healthy diet is always recommended for good overall health. Following nutrition guidelines and eating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates may help with arthritis. Some research has found that an anti-inflammatory diet may be helpful for arthritis as well. ("Anti Inflammatory Foods to Help to Fight the Inflammatory Response") Anti-Inflammatory foods include fats and oils, fruits and vegetables, and certain spices such as turmeric and ginger. (Id.)
Exercise. Again, exercise is always recommended, like a healthy diet, for good overall health. Health benefits for everyone from exercising include increased energy levels, better sleep, weight control, bone and muscle strength, and a healthy heart. ("Exercise - Essential Treatment for Arthritis") But certain exercises can also specifically help with arthritis. These include swimming (excellent because it is low impact on your joints), yoga and walking. Strength exercises are good because strong muscles help support your joints, while endurance exercises (bringing your heart rate up to its optimal level) can help build your strength and maintain your flexibility. ("Exercise - Essential Treatment for Arthritis") You should always, always discuss your exercise program with your doctor first, as certain exercises that may benefit one type of arthritis may not be such a good idea for others.
Physical Therapy. Physical therapy can help with the stiffness of joints that many arthritis patients suffer. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to build your strength and stretch your joints. They can also teach you the proper way to use walking aids if they become necessary. ("Arthritis: Physical and Occupational Therapy")
Massage. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are two ways massage can help you with your arthritis. It can reduce your muscle pain that is caused by spasms, and it can increase your body's ability to produce endorphins (these are hormones that reduce pain and affect your emotions in a positive way). ("Arthritis and Massage") Health benefits from massage also include increased circulation, increased flexibility and mobility, decreased pain and inflammation, and relief from muscle aches and stiffness, all of which are symptoms of one form of arthritis or another. ("Arthritis and Massage Therapy")
Supplements: Glucosamine and Vitamins E and B3
Glucosamine. Glucosamine has been proven effective in easing arthritis pain and rehabilitating cartilage. ("Glucosamine") Glucosamine is a natural sugar you produce in your own body. As we age, are bodies lose the ability to produce as much glucosamine as we sometimes need for our joints. Taking glucosamine supplements can help replace the glucosamine your body is no longer producing.
By Sally Ann Murphy -
Sally is an attorney who enjoys good wine, excellent food, bird watching and learning about gardening in her adopted home of Houston, Texas. She has a special interest in cultivating roses, and is the author...
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I am a music major and my instrument is guitar and i just started having pains in my left hand. it is really uncomfortable to play.
Arthritis is a painful disease that involves swelling and stiffness of the joints, among other symptoms. There are over one hundred types of arthritis, and the symptoms are wide and varied. Most forms of arthritis, however, have some common symptoms, including joint pain, stiffness, tenderness and restricted movement. I have described the top five alternative therapy treatment options for arthritis in this article. This article does not constitute medical advice and should not replace advice from your doctor.
