Author: Sam Socorro

If you suffer from arthritis pain, you know that flare-ups can happen even when you least expect it. This degenerative condition is primarily caused by inflammation in the joints, leading to persistent stiffness and pain. While there are many medications you can take to treat arthritis, poor lifestyle habits can actually make your pain and inflammation even worse. Instead of resorting to pharmacological treatments, though, there are some natural ways you can minimize your arthritis pain and experience relief without facing the potential side effects of medications.

Arthritis doesn’t have to be disabling. Incorporate some of these pain-relieving habits into your everyday routine to make the most of your life and help keep flare-ups from becoming a constant issue. These tips offer some starting points for you to experiment and find natural ways to treat your arthritis pain that will work for your body and with your lifestyle.

Take care of your joints

The biggest thing you can do to prevent arthritis pain is to protect your joints — even joints that don’t yet show any arthritis symptoms. Instead of lifting, slide heavy objects whenever possible. Push doors open with your shoulder. Use your palm to hold a book open, instead of pressing into it with your fingers.

Also, your weight could be contributing to your pain by creating further stress on your aching joints. If you have put on some extra pounds, consider taking steps to slim down and take some pressure off your body.

Move around more

Participating regularly in low-impact exercise is a great way to keep your joints flexible and healthy. While weight-bearing activities like running and walking can actually cause damage and potentially increase your arthritis pain, things like water aerobics, swimming, or using an elliptical can get your joints moving around without creating additional stress.

This also helps manage your weight, so you don’t have to deal with the strain on your joints caused by additional pounds. Just be sure you stick to a moderate pace so you can stay mobile without risking injury or increased pain.

Try hot and cold therapies

These simple therapy techniques can make a huge impact on lowering your arthritis pain. Spending some time in a hot bath or steam shower each morning can loosen up your joints and keep them from feeling stiff and swollen all day, and before bed, curl up with a heating pad or an electric blanket to promote joint flexibility all night long.

For treating acute joint pain, try using gel ice packs or even just a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, and press it to your aching joints. You’ll feel relief almost instantly, and help minimize inflammation to make that relief last even after you’ve put the ice pack away.

Adjust your diet

There are several things you can eat that can either have anti-inflammatory properties or that can help reduce joint stiffness. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for overall health, but also help with pain management and promote joint flexibility. In fact, these healthy fats have even proven benefits similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are full of anti-inflammatory agents that can prevent arthritis flare-ups — and all you need to do are add them to meals for a little extra flavor

Spend time in the sun

Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, and if you’re not getting enough, you’re putting yourself at a greater risk for arthritis and other joint pain. This can be found in eggs, dairy, and sardines, as well as from the sun — and the sun’s rays are required to help your body properly absorb this important nutrient, so make sure you’re getting enough sun exposure.

However, don’t spend too much time out in the sun without protection. If you have sensitive skin that tends to burn, consider taking a supplement, instead.

While these suggestions are a great way to help you minimize your arthritis pain without relying on medical treatments, if you are finding yourself dealing with chronic pain and intense flare-ups, you may need to bring it up with a health care professional. However, you can always benefit from these tips to help manage your arthritis and keep your pain under control.

This article was written by Sam Socorro from Clearwells. Sam has been writing articles for over 10 years and is a commanding voice in the health and fitness community with her articles high in demand.