Natural Options for Arthritis Sufferers
By Donna Stark
Arthritis can be one of the most disruptive forces in your life. The pain and stiffness can make it extremely difficult to perform the daily tasks that most people take for granted. In fact, those with arthritis will oftentimes find themselves making modifications to their everyday tasks, just to be able to get through their day. Or they may also find themselves sitting on the sidelines, watching others enjoy the activities that they used to be able to do themselves. If you have arthritis, you may already know that there are many different options to help manage your pain and stiffness, but one of the most important options to consider is how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Natural Pain-Relief Options for Arthritis
Arthritis is another name for inflammation of the joints. It is a condition that is marked by pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. It can also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and the appearance of the body's joints. Arthritis pain can range from mild to severe, and over time, can become a chronic problem.
Arthritis is typically treated with anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers. But as we all know, these types of medications can bring extremely unpleasant side effects along with them. Fortunately, there are some natural ways to combat the impact that arthritis is having on your life. Take a look.
- Weight management - Carrying around extra pounds can make a significant impact on the amount of pain you experience from arthritis. That extra weight is easily putting more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and ankles. Reducing the added pressure on your joints by losing weight will help tremendously. Your mobility may be increased, your pain may be decreased, and future damage to your joints may be lessened.
- Exercise - Sure, most people think that when they feel pain, they shouldn't work out, but if you have arthritis, staying active is critical to maintaining your flexibility and range of motion. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or walking are your best bets here.
- Healthy diet - Choosing an anti-inflammatory diet that is packed with fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and oily fish, will help to reduce the pain associated with different types of arthritis.
- Chiropractic care - Chiropractic adjustments remove joint restrictions in the body and in doing so, can reduce the inflammation and improve the body's mobility and range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments can also help decrease the stress on your nervous system, which will allow your body to restore and heal itself naturally.
Calming the Disruptive Force
Finding a conservative and natural approach that helps to reduce your arthritis symptoms may take some effort, but it is definitely worth it in the end. And if you are looking for improved overall health as well as a reduction in your arthritis pain, The Joint Chiropractic is also here to guide you along the way!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Culver City, Calif.