Treating arthritis without drugs

Many people with arthritis have used complementary and alternative products to manage their symptoms.

They turn to alternatives for a variety of reasons: because current medical care methods do not inspire confidence; because they are concerned about the side effects of treatments.

Many arthritis patients turn to complementary and alternative therapies to manage their symptoms. They turn to alternatives for a variety of reasons: because they have little confidence in conventional medical care; because they are concerned about the side effects of long-term drug therapy; or because they simply think alternative therapies are safer, because they are “more natural.”

Exercise regularly

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Kidney Diseases (NIAMS) recommends three forms of exercise for arthritis patients:

1. Improve range of motion exercises such as jumping and dancing to help maintain normal movement, reduce muscle stiffness and increase flexibility.

2. Increase exercise such as weight training to make muscles more flexible.

3. Focus on aerobic or resistance exercises such as cycling to improve cardiovascular health, help control weight, and improve synchronization. Weight control is important because excess body weight can put stress on joints.

Aerobic exercise improves the cardiovascular system, helps control weight, and improves synchronous function.

Healthy diet

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and no single diet is right for everyone. However, the Arthritis Foundation has established the following guidelines to help patients maintain a diet that helps manage their symptoms:

1. Eat a variety of foods, and avoid anything that may interact with the medications you are taking.

2. Use fat and cholesterol in moderation.

3. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grain products.

4. Use sugar and salt in moderation.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation.

6. Meet daily requirements for vitamins and minerals, including calcium.

Eating lots of vegetables and fruits also helps reduce arthritis.

Stress Control

Depression is a part of life; but for people with arthritis, there are other factors such as increased dependence on family members and changes in appearance due to joint deformities or side effects from medications.

The Arthritis Foundation says managing depression is especially important for arthritis patients because “when you feel stressed, your muscles become stiff. This muscle tension can increase your pain and fatigue, and can limit your ability to function, leading to disability.”

Stress can lead to depression, which can create a cycle of depression, pain, fatigue, and limitations/disabilities. Stress management can break this cycle.

Hot and cold applications

The Mayo Clinic offers the following advice: “Heat will ease your pain, loosen tension, reduce muscle soreness, and increase blood circulation. One of the easiest and most effective ways to apply heat is to take a hot shower or soak in a hot tub for about 15 minutes.

Other options include using a hot pack or a radiant heat lamp with a 250-watt heat bulb to warm your muscles and joints. However, if you have sensitive skin or poor circulation, avoid heat treatments.

Cold therapy may also relieve pain. Cold also numbs and relieves muscle spasms. Do not use cold therapy if you have poor circulation or numbness. Techniques may include using cold packs, immersing the affected joint in cold water, or using ice massage. Patients should exercise caution when considering alternative therapies.

Before starting any alternative or complementary therapy, talk to your doctor to consider the appropriate forms for your situation, as well as ask them about side effects and harmful interactions, especially if you are taking any complementary medications for other conditions.

According to health and life