When arthritis is mentioned, most people think of only rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Truth be told, though, more than 40 types of arthritis exist. For those who suffer from one or more type of arthritis, pain is either constant or comes in flare-ups.
Are there any home treatment options that work to help alleviate the pain? Actually, sufferers have quite a few options. Here are 7+ ways to treat arthritis pain from home.
1. Massage. Regularly massaging the joints suffering from arthritis pain can help alleviate the discomfort. Healthline points out that massage may also help improve the range of motion of the joint.
2. Exercise. Exercise is good for everyone, including those who suffer from arthritis. Health states that the body's natural painkiller (endorphins) is released from working out. If knees and feet are affected by the arthritis, try a non-impact form of exercise such as bike riding or swimming.
3. Acupuncture. Another way to release the body's natural endorphins is through acupuncture, according to Healthline. It may also help stimulate blood flow to those areas.
4. Wax bath. For those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation states that a wax bath for the joints often gives relief.
5. Capsaicin cream. Hot peppers for pain? Surprisingly, Health notes that capsaicin cream appears to give a fair amount of pain relief and is safe for topical use.
6. Heat. Those who suffer from osteoarthritis should try applying heat to the joints two to three times a day, recommends the Arthritis Foundation.
7. Glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate provides relief to those who suffer from arthritis pain. Health states that the US doesn't tend to carry glucosamine sulfate, so you may have to order it online.
8. Green apple. For aroma therapy, the Arthritis Foundation notes that green apple shows promise for helping relieve arthritis pain. Eating the apple may be just as effective as taking a bath with green apple bath salts.
9. Lab grade turmeric and lab grade boswellia serrata. A lot is being passed around about turmeric being good for arthritis pain. According to the site Rheumatoid Arthritis, if the spice is added to food, you won't get much, if any, relief from the pain. Lab grade turmeric and boswellia serrata together appear to give significant relief to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This can be ordered in capsules or in an oil to rub in.
10. Electric nerve stimulation. If you have access to an transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, the Arthritis Foundation says that it may give relief to any kind of arthritis pain.
For those who have to deal with arthritis pain on a daily basis, it's good to know they have options to treat it without having to take lots of medication.