Treatment for Arthritis - Philadelphia Holistic Clinic - Dr. Tsan

 https://philaholisticclinic.com/natural-remedies-for-arthritis/

Treatment for arthritis strategy depends upon the cause and type of arthritis, the severity of the disease, age, and occupation. Treatment for arthritis focuses on reducing the pain and discomfort and preventing further progression of the disease.

Listed below are the different options of treatment  for arthritis:

Medications – a most common treatment for arthritis

Pain-relieving medicines which include over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs are given to relieve the pain. Listed below are optional allopathic medical treatments for arthritis:

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Side effects may include stomach irritation, heart problems, and kidney damage.
• Steroids: Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone is another medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that reduces inflammation and pain and slow joint damage. Side effects may include thinning of bones, weight gain, and diabetes.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Common DMARDs include methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, others), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Side effects vary but may include liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and severe lung infections

Physical therapy and physical exercising – an important part of treatment for arthritis

This improves muscle and bone strength, reduces pain and stiffness, and helps in maintaining healthy joints. The physical therapy program for each patient is decided by the physical therapist depending upon the type and severity of arthritis. Heating pads and cold packs give temporary relief to the inflamed joints.

Surgery:

Surgery of joints is considered in cases where the above treatments fail. It is done to maintain a normal lifestyle. Listed below are surgery options available:

• Joint repair. In some instances, joint surfaces can be smoothed or realigned to reduce pain and improve function. These types of procedures can often be performed arthroscopically through small incisions over the joint.
• Joint replacement. This procedure removes your damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. The joints most commonly replaced are hips and knees.
• Joint fusion. This procedure is more often used for smaller joints, such as those in the wrist, ankle, and fingers. It removes the ends of the two bones in the joint and then locks those ends together until they heal into one rigid unit.

However, in recent times most people are going for natural treatment for arthritis because of its proven effectiveness in the treatment of arthritis without causing any side effects.

Arthritis – Definition

If you suffer from arthritis, you’ll experience tenderness and swelling on one or more of your joints. The condition worsens overage, and the most common symptoms include joint stiffness and pain. There are over twenty various forms of arthritis, but the most common ones are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system damages the joints, starting with the lining of your joints. If you have excessive uric acid in your blood, you can suffer from gout. Infections and other diseases like lupus or psoriasis can also lead to arthritis.

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, treatment will vary. The primary aim of arthritis is to minimize symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Natural treatment for arthritis and home remedies for arthritis in the form of Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathy for arthritis can prove to be beneficial. 

What is arthritis

When most people think about arthritis, they largely associate it with the elderly. There is some factual basis to this assumption, as the disease is by far most common among senior citizens. However, it can affect people of all ages, including very young children. It is also common for people to think of arthritis as a single disease, but it encompasses more than 100 different diseases, many of which are quite different.

While there are over a hundred types of arthritis and some of them affect the body in different ways, there are also several symptoms that are common across the different kinds of arthritis. The disease typically affects the various joints in the body, commonly causing inflammation, swelling, and general stiffness in the affected joints. Among senior citizens, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often affecting the knees.

Arthritis is inflammation of joints, which results in pain, stiffness, and swelling of the affected joint. The word “arthritis” is derived from the Greek word “arthron” which means joint and the Latin word “it is” meaning inflammation. Arthritis includes a group of diseases that affects the joints and tissues surrounding the joints. It is one of the leading causes of immobility in people above the age of 50.

Most people think that arthritis is restricted only to joints, but unfortunately, this disease also affects nearly any organ in the human body or the system of the human body. Some other affected areas are blood vessels, heart, skin, kidneys, and lungs. Conditions relating to this disease typically affect the bones and muscles primarily, but they do affect organs as well.

What causes arthritis?

The exact cause of arthritis is not fully known at this point, however, some factors may contribute to arthritis: stress, obesity, and jobs that require repetitive movements of a particular joint socket. This includes clerical workers, computer programmers, warehouse people, and sportspeople. For example, football players tend to develop arthritis in their knees and ankles as a consequence of injuries sustained to these parts. There is evidence, however, that suggests that physically active people who are not injured have a lower risk of arthritis. Some studies have suggested that gout may sometimes be a contributing factor to causing arthritis.

Normally joints are covered with smooth cartilage that protects the joint and allows smooth movement. When there is a breakdown of cartilage, the smooth surface becomes irregular and the bones rub together causing pain and inflammation. Other arthritis causes are listed below:

• General wear and tear of the joint causing osteoarthritis is one of the arthritis causes
• Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Infection (septic arthritis caused by bacterial infection)
• Trauma or repeated injury (post-traumatic arthritis)

In some cases, inflammation is temporary and goes away after some time; whereas, in arthritic joints, the inflammation is chronic and may cause long-lasting disability. Arthritis affects men, women, and children. A person who is overweight is at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Note: One of the questions often asked is ‘’does cracking knuckles cause arthritis?’’ The answer is cracking Knuckles is not harmful or beneficial. This means cracking knuckles does not cause arthritis.

Types of arthritis

Listed below are the common types of arthritis

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis which results due to trauma, overuse of the joint, and degeneration of joint cartilage due to the natural process of aging.

Juvenile rheumatoid

This is a type of arthritis that is common in children

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is a chronic, long-lasting disease that affects approximately 1% of the population all over the world. It is due to the body’s immune system attacking its cells and destroying the joint surfaces.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is a psychosomatic disorder that affects mainly the skin; but as the disease progresses, joints are also involved.

Natural remedies for arthritis

Natural remedies for arthritis are effective and generally safe. Arthritis is not a deadly disease; however, the disease can be disabling and very challenging to manage. The disease is more prevalent among older groups of people. Among the age group 18-44 years, about 7% reported arthritis. People between 45 to 64 years of age, nearly 30%, experienced arthritis. Whereas for people above 65 years of age, almost 50% reported suffering from arthritis. Generally, prescription drugs and conventional treatment prescribed for arthritis focusing on inflammation and pain control only while Natural remedies for arthritis often lead to improvement of the joints’ functions. Natural remedies for arthritis usually work slower than traditional painkillers and steroids, however, natural and home remedies for arthritis can be very beneficial and safe.

Natural remedies for arthritis are easily accessible, may cause zero or just a few minor side effects, and at times can provide remarkable results. 

 

Types of Arthritis

Various forms of arthritis are listed below:

• Thumb arthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Joint infections
• Gout
• Ankylosing Spondylitis

Other less common types of arthritis are reactive arthritis, gonococci arthritis, tuberculosis arthritis, viral arthritis, systemic lupus arthritis, and scleroderma.

Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the form of arthritis you’re having. The most common symptoms include the joints. You can also suffer from other symptoms such as:

• Diminished active and passive range of motion
• Redness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Pain

Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis

The Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are:

• Pain or aching in more than one joint.
• Stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in more than one joint.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue or tiredness.

For various symptoms, home remedies for arthritis offer a safe and effective remedy. They are also significantly safer. Various home remedies for arthritis can be effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis. Natural remedies for arthritis, like Chinese herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture for arthritis, can be beneficial.

Arthritis Risk Factors

If you fall under the categories listed below, you’ll have an increased chance of experiencing arthritis:

• If your parents or siblings suffer from arthritis, there’s a possibility that you’ll have it too.
• Chances of arthritis also increase with age, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
• Your gender may have an effect. Study shows that arthritis is more common among women than men.
• Previous joint injury can also increase the chances of arthritis.
• Suffering from excessive weight will put a lot of stress on your joints, especially on your spine, hips, and knees. If you’re suffering from obesity, you’ll also have higher chances of arthritis.

Natural remedies for arthritis – Holistic approach

Generally, prescription drugs recommended for arthritis are limited to the following groups:

• Pain killers -These medicines are reducing pain, but do not decrease the level of inflammation. …
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). …
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). …
• Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, Triamcinolone).

However, natural remedies for arthritis along with changes in lifestyle can cause a remarkable result.

Weight loss – essential natural treatment for arthritis

If you have excessive weight, it’ll add a lot of stress on your knees, which can increase the chances of arthritis. The extra pressure makes the cartilage between your joints rapidly break down and increases the probability of osteoarthritis. 

If you have excessive weight or suffering from obesity, losing your extra weight can reduce the pressure on your joints, minimizing stiffness and pain symptoms. Along with other home remedies for arthritis, you should make some lifestyle choices like losing weight.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – important ingredient from the list of natural remedies for arthritis

Omega-3 fatty acids are very effective in regulating your immune system and reducing inflammation. Some study shows that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Sardines, tuna, salmon, cold-water fish, seeds, and nuts are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take omega-3 supplements.

Along with other natural remedies for arthritis, these fatty acids can prove to be beneficial. Additionally, they possess various health benefits.

Natural treatment for arthritis

Natural treatment for arthritis is a safe and effective way to relieve your arthritis pain and inflammation. Natural treatment for arthritis nourishes the joints to reduce the destruction of the surface of the joints and also prevent future damages.

Listed below are natural remedies for arthritis

Home remedies for arthritis – most common form of natural treatment for arthritis

Home remedies for arthritis are one of the natural remedies for arthritis that is effective in the treatment of arthritis. Dealing with your arthritis, there are many ways to get rid of joint pain. Here are some home remedies for arthritis that are considered excellent:

Cold:

• It curbs joint swelling and inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the affected joint. This is one of the treatments for joint pain. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes at a time. Take at least a 30-minute break between treatments.

Heat:

• It relaxes your muscles and spurs blood flow. You can use a moist heating pad or a warm, damp towel. You can also use heat therapy in the shower. Let the warm water hit the painful area on your body.

Epsom salt bath

• This is very effective in relieving joint pain, increasing blood circulation, and reducing the swelling caused by arthritis. The high magnesium in Epsom salt baths promotes the release of lactic acid from muscle tissue. Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. For joint pain relief, the patients should take two large cups of Epsom salts into a bath of warm water and soak in it. Take a bath in this water for half an hour. You can keep adding hot water into the tub to keep the water warm

Calcium

• Study shows that calcium lactate is a home remedy for arthritis that is effective in the treatment of arthritis. It has been found that joint pain disappears after taking calcium. Two spoons full of calcium lactate approximately provide four hundred milligrams of absorbed calcium salt taken thrice a day with water

Exercise and massage – an essential natural treatment for arthritis

Moderate and regular exercise can have therapeutic effects on arthritis. Exercises help preserve a body’s mobility and strengthen the muscles to help support the joints. To help ease pressure on joints, exercises may be performed while half of the body is in water. Swimming is also a good choice – the body is engaged in movement while the buoyancy of the water prevents too much stress on the joints.

Massage and heat applications are also quite helpful. Massages, when done right, can help promote circulation in the joints. Heat applications can also bring about relief. One way to induce relaxation would be soaking joints in tolerably hot water for a few minutes. This has shown to bring relief, albeit temporary.

Yoga – traditional Indian natural treatment for arthritis

This mix of low-impact exercise, breathing, and meditation was developed in India some 5,000 years ago. It’s good for your body and mind. It can ease joint pain, improve your flexibility, and zap stress and tension. Studies show it can lower chemicals that cause inflammation and stress.

Arthritis diet – a mandatory part of any approach to the treatment of arthritis

The arthritis diet is one of the most effective natural remedies for arthritis since many foods can ease inflammation and may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis.

Listed below is an arthritis diet recommendation that should be considered

Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel

• These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. Be sure to choose lower sodium options when purchasing canned items if you need to keep your sodium in check.

Vegetables

• Vegetables such as cauliflower, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli is also a diet for arthritis that is effective in the treatment of arthritis

Turmeric

• Turmeric is a diet for arthritis that is found in many curries is a member of the ginger family. Research shows it blocks proteins that cause inflammation and may ease the pain as well as some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis diet limitation

Added sugars

• You should limit your sugar intake no matter what, but especially if you have arthritis. Added sugars are found in candy, soda, ice cream, and numerous other foods, including less obvious items like barbecue sauce.

Processed and red meats

• Some research links red and processed meat to inflammation, which may increase arthritis symptoms.

Gluten foods

• Gluten is a group of proteins in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Gluten foods increased inflammation and it is ideal to go for a gluten-free diet to reduce the symptoms of arthritis

Alcohol

• Alcohol may worsen arthritis symptoms, anyone with inflammatory arthritis should restrict or avoid it.

Food high in salt content

• Cutting back on salt may be a good choice for people with arthritis. Foods high in salt include shrimp, canned soup, pizza, certain cheeses, processed meats, and numerous other processed items.

Homeopathy for arthritis – #1 natural remedy for arthritis

Homeopathy for Arthritis offers a safe and effective treatment of the condition. What makes homeopathy so effective is that it is able to get to the root of the problem, making it possible to find an effective and long-term remedy. It has minimal side effects and can be used on all age groups and genders. There is no single remedy, and homeopathic remedies for arthritis can target various forms of arthritis. Some common homeopathic remedies for arthritis include Rhus Toxicodendron, Pulsatilla, Ledum Palustre, Calcarea Phosphorica, Bryonia, Belladonna, Arnica, and Aconitum Napellus.

Homeopathic remedies for arthritis have no known side effects. Additionally, it can be combined with other alternative and natural treatments to increase the chances of positive results.

Acupuncture – Traditional Chinese natural treatment for arthritis

Acupuncture for arthritis is another excellent option. By placing very thin needles in specific points of your body, this ancient Chinese technique can provide relief from arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture is known to be effective for reducing inflammation and relieving chronic pain, which can be beneficial for arthritis patients. Especially for rheumatoid inflammation, which includes painful inflammation, acupuncture as a holistic treatment for arthritis, can be helpful.

This traditional form of Chinese medicine is one of the oldest natural pain remedies around. It uses super-fine needles to stimulate energy along pathways in your body called meridians. The goal is to correct imbalances of energy or qi

Acupuncture for arthritis lowers levels of chemicals in the body linked to inflammation. It also helps with chronic pain, especially back pain. It is also one of the ideal treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

However, it’ll take several sessions to gradually reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Many studies also establish acupuncture as a remarkable complementary to other allopathic or alternative treatments. Acupuncture, as a natural treatment for arthritis, has no known side effects, and there is no bleeding associated. For patients that don’t see good results from other methods, acupuncture can provide effective results.

Chinese Herbs for arthritis – effective natural remedies for arthritis

Along with alternative and home remedies for arthritis, Chinese herbs can provide excellent results. There are various Chinese herbs, and generally, only a single herb is not prescribed. Various Chinese herbs for arthritis are combined to target various symptoms and conditions. Commonly used Chinese herbs for arthritis include Du Huo Ji Sheng wan, Turmeric, Thunder God Vine, and Lei Gong Teng.

There are various herbs, so you will have to experiment with a few before finding an effective remedy. It has little or no side effects, but it can counteract with other medications, so you should consult your doctor first before trying Chinese herbs for arthritis.

Conclusion 

Living with arthritis can be very challenging and impair various aspects of your life. However, with effective treatment, you can reduce the symptoms to such a degree that it doesn’t affect your life in any way. If you want a less aggressive and holistic treatment for arthritis, the home remedies and alternative treatments mentioned above can provide wonderful results.

At the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic various natural remedies for arthritis available without leaving the office. Our clinic is the home for holistic and natural treatment in the city of Philadelphia and all our providers are the best.

Contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic (267) 284-4305 to schedule your appointment for an initial comprehensive evaluation or use our online application