Arthritis is a group of degenerative health conditions that are characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring form of arthritis that deteriorates with age. This condition is caused due to wear and tear of bones and joints over the years. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications provide relief from arthritis pain.

Arthritis pain relief through medication has a number of side effects. Moreover, they cause damage to various organs of the body when consumed in the long run. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that has no cure, but symptomatic relief may be provided. Many are adopting natural treatment methods for arthritis pain relief in order to avoid the side effects of medication.

Symptoms of arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative bone and joint disease that causes severe pain and immobility. Common symptoms of arthritis are:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness of joints
• Swelling or inflammation of joints
• Loss of mobility
• Decreased range of motion
• Redness of skin around joints
• Warm or inflamed joints

Treatment of arthritis pain
Conventional treatment for arthritis involves painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. These medicines come with a number of serious side effects, especially when used in the long run. There are several simple home remedies that provide arthritis pain relief.

Here are a few effective natural remedies for arthritis pain relief:

Hot and cold therapy : Placing an ice pack for some time on the affected area, and following the cold treatment with a hot pack provides relief from joint pain. The cold pack helps to reduce swelling and inflammation of joints. The ice pack should be applied for not more than 15 minutes. An application of heat on the affected areas relaxes the muscles and increases blood circulation. The heat should be bearable and should be kept for 10-15 minutes. This is one of the most common and effective arthritis pain relief options that you can try.

Magnetotherapy : Magnets are known to provide relief from joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. These magnets can be worn in the form of bracelets, pads, disks, necklaces or inserts. This therapy is highly effective for osteoarthritis pain.

Acupuncture : This is an age-old Chinese method that involves the insertion of extremely thin needles that stimulate energy along the body pathways. This method focuses on correcting the energy imbalances in the body, which reduces joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.

Biofeedback : This method helps in regulating automatic responses like heart rate or blood pressure, which in turn helps combat pain. A qualified therapist teaches you to control automatic response to stressors.

Breathing techniques : Practicing deep breathing techniques help in turning off the stress receptors that worsen joint pain. Focusing on your breath also distracts you from thoughts of pain.

Physical exercise : Regular physical workout helps in restoring and improving the mobility of joints. People affected with arthritis tend to restrict their movement to the minimum. This actually worsens the issue, rather than providing relief. Aerobics, a range of motion exercises, and strength training exercises help in restoring mobility and reducing pain and stiffness of joints.

Massage : Massaging the joints with therapeutic oil provides great relief from pain. Experienced and qualified therapists provide specialized massage for arthritic pain.

Meditation : Meditation is a great way to manage many health conditions. Joint pain and stiffness may cause great mental discomfort for those affected by arthritis. Practicing meditative techniques help in shifting the focus of the pain and channelize it toward stress-relief. Meditative techniques that utilize muscle relaxing breathing techniques provide a relaxing effect on the muscles and joints.

Weight management : Being overweight worsens arthritic pain. Effective weight control through healthy diet and exercise helps reduce weight, which in turn minimizes the load on knee and feet joints.

Dietary changes : Turmeric has great anti-inflammatory properties. Making turmeric an essential part of your cooking goes a long way in reducing joint inflammation due to arthritis. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet helps combat joint pain and stiffness.

Herbal supplements : There are a number of herbal supplements available in the market for providing relief from arthritic pain. Unlike chemical formulations, these supplements do not have any side effects on health. These supplements must be consumed only after consulting your physician.

Topical gels, creams or patches : Arthritis pain can be reduced by applying topical creams, gels or patches on the affected areas. However, these should not be used along with heating pads, as they may cause a burning sensation.

Yogic techniques : Regular practice of yogic techniques has many benefits. Joint pain management, improving mobility, weight management, and stress relief are some of the benefits of practicing yoga.

Arthritis pain can be debilitating if the symptoms are not treated. It is a degenerative disease, which cannot be cured, but symptomatic relief can be provided by a number of natural remedies. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs also provide arthritis pain relief.