Arthritis results in the inflammation of joints. It is a group of several health conditions that result in the pain. Surprisingly, more than 50 million adults and approximately 300,000 children in the country have some form of arthritis. Common symptoms of this condition include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty in movement. Here are some natural treatments to help overcome the symptoms:

• Weight loss
  Obesity, or being overweight in general, increases the intensity of the pain caused due to arthritis. As vital joints become weak, they are unable to support body weight, which puts extreme pressure on the ligaments and joints and causes immense pain in one’s knees, hips, and feet. The pressure and stress can be relieved by losing weight, and healthy body weight also helps restore mobility and prevents damage to the joints.
• Acupuncture
  Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese treatment of using thin needles in specific points throughout the body. The needles help reroute the energy that runs through the body and help restore balance. This therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization and is used for the treatment of over a hundred medical conditions. Acupuncture is known to relieve joint pain caused by arthritis.
• Hot and cold therapy
  Stiffness in the joints can cause pain due to the condition, and the hot and cold therapy is a simple yet effective treatment for relief. Hot therapy in the form of long hot baths or showers is recommended in the early morning hours to provide quick relief from stiff joints. One can also use an electric blanket or a moist heating pad at night before sleeping. Cold therapy involves the use of a gel ice pack to provide quick relief from the effects of arthritis, like inflammation, joint pain, and swelling.
• Herbal supplements
  If medications do not bring about the required result, one can try herbal supplements to manage joint pain. Thunder god vine, stinging nettle, ginkgo, devil’s claw, bromelain, and Boswellia are among the common choices for herbal supplements. There may be certain side effects of taking supplements regularly, so one must consult their doctor to understand their effects.
• A diet with healthy fats
  One’s diet plays a key role in the effectiveness of the treatments for arthritis pain, ensuring that they provide adequate relief. The body’s immune system and metabolism benefits from healthy omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid. These compounds help patients manage stiffness and joint pain to some extent. It is a good idea to incorporate fish oil supplements for omega-3 fatty acids and consider the use of plant-based oils rich in GLA in one’s diet. One must consult their doctor to understand how these supplements can be taken safely to counter discomfort due to the condition.
• Active lifestyle
  A sedentary lifestyle automatically increases the risk of health complications, and the risk is higher in people suffering from arthritis, which is why one must start exercising regularly. Regular movement from simple exercises like walking or running helps retain the flexibility of the joints.