Health

Arthritis: a scary term often associated with the elderly and with pain. What is it really, though? Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation in the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, even though it is a chronic condition, there is currently no cure.

However, there are several treatment options available to manage the symptoms of arthritis. These include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and surgery. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet can also help manage the symptoms of arthritis.

Some of these treatment options, however, may not be feasible. Instead, several home remedies can help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with the condition. Read on to discover our best home remedy recommendations for arthritis pain:

Heat and Cold Therapy

Alternating between heat and cold therapy can effectively reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Applying a cold pack to the affected joint can help reduce inflammation, while a heating pad can help increase blood flow and relieve pain. The best of both worlds!

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps people with arthritis improve their movement, strength, and joint function. A skilled physiotherapist can create a personalized exercise plan based on the type of arthritis and the person’s physical abilities. This plan may include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint, which can decrease strain on the joint and reduce pain.

Physiotherapists can use hands-on techniques to ease pain and help joints move better. They also teach patients about good body mechanics and posture to reduce stress on their joints during everyday activities.

Exercise

Exercise can be beneficial for people with arthritis as it can help to reduce pain, improve joint mobility and flexibility, increase muscle strength, and improve overall physical function. Regular exercise can help to reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joints, increase blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.

Low-impact Exercises

Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, and walking, are particularly beneficial for people with arthritis, as they can help to increase muscle strength and endurance without putting too much pressure on the joints. It is important to start slowly and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your exercise routine. No, we do not recommend ‘diving off the deep end’ in this case.

Diet and weight management

Extra weight stresses the joints, particularly the hips, knees, and ankles. Losing weight can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Weight management can be achieved through exercise and a healthy diet. As well, the following food items can be included in your diet to facilitate arthritis-associated pain:

Turmeric

This spice has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. You can add turmeric to your food or take it in supplement form.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

Ginger

Ginger is another natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce symptoms. You can consume ginger in various forms, like ginger tea, supplements, or oil.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body called acupoints, which are believed to help balance the body’s energy and improve overall health.

There is some evidence to suggest that acupuncture may be helpful for people with arthritis to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness while improving joint function and mobility. One mechanism acupuncture can help with arthritis is releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins.

Additionally, it may stimulate the immune system to reduce inflammation which is a cause of arthritis.

Massage

Similarly, massage therapy can help to increase blood flow to the affected joints, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Additionally, massage therapy can help stretch and loosen tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments, improving joint mobility and flexibility. It is important to note that the massage pressure and techniques should be adjusted for the individual’s condition, and it is best to consult with a licensed massage therapist who has experience working with people with arthritis,

Yoga

Yoga and stretching are both forms of exercise that may benefit people with arthritis, falling under the low-impact category we discussed previously! Both practices can help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, which can, in turn, help to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

Yoga is a form of low-impact exercise that involves a series of postures and breathing exercises. Yoga can help improve flexibility, strength, and balance, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Certain postures and positions can be modified to accommodate people with arthritis and can be performed with minimal pressure on the joints.

Other forms of stretching

Stretching, on the other hand, is a form of exercise that can improve the flexibility of muscles and joints. Stretching can help to improve the range of motion, reduce muscle tension, and decrease stiffness in the joints. Stretching is a good way to prepare the body for other forms of exercise, such as yoga or other low-impact activities, and can be done seated or standing.

Did you know we have 40 trillion bacteria in our bodies that are primarily situated in our intestines? Yeah, likely not, but these bacteria are critical to your health since they can either boost your health or cause illnesses. It all depends on how you live your life.

You’re probably thinking to yourself: Naturopath? Shouldn’t I just visit a fortune teller and peer into a crystal ball instead?

This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, naturopaths are educated with the same background as medical doctors; they simple choose to apply a holistic approach to medicine, using nutrition, acupuncture, and other natural treatments.

A medical doctor will generally treat symptoms using basic information that you provide them, whereas a naturopath will attempt to treat underlying causes by accumulating a wealth of specific information about you. Of course, it’s important to see both and take both of their opinions into account. That said, however skeptical you might be, here are the top three reasons you need to visit a naturopath.

Earache is one of the most unbearable types of pain. Not only will this affect your quality of hearing, It can make it difficult for you to do anything else other than think about the pain. In most cases, earaches are linked to ear infections. The following are some effective ear infection remedies you should definitely try.

The human body was meant to withstand large amounts of physical pressure throughout one’s life. Even though some challenges may be difficult, we can push through them with our strength and will. However, as we age, it may become apparent that our bodies are not what they used to be.

A hearing loss can be very difficult to accept. Fortunately, hearing clinics can provide lasting solutions to people who are dealing with hearing loss, as long as they are ready to face the facts.

Here are 8 things you can do to convince a loved one to visit a hearing clinic to get their hearing checked.

Plastic surgery is on the rise. Not only are celebrities having work done, but so are your coworkers and neighbours. It’s no surprise, really. Plastic surgery can boost your confidence and self-esteem, and help you progress in your work life and love life.

Maybe you’ve always been a little concerned with your crooked nose. Perhaps you’re looking to erase several telltale signs of aging. Maybe you’re looking to give your body a more youthful contour. Whatever type of plastic surgery procedure you’re interested in, it’s critical to choose the right surgeon.

Your plastic surgeon can make or break your results. A good plastic surgeon can make you look flawless without anyone realizing you’ve had work done. On the other hand, a bad plastic surgeon can completely botch the surgery and even put your health at risk.

To ensure you choose a qualified, professional plastic surgeon, look for these red flags.

As children get their teeth, it is important to develop healthy oral hygiene habits to prevent issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease down the road. While most children tend to be reluctant to receive assistance in everyday activities due to their desire to be capable and independent, helping them take care of their teeth when they are young is definitely important to ensure that they are made aware of how important oral hygiene is and that they are doing it correctly.

Here are a few ways you can assist your child in maintaining healthy teeth.

Acupuncture is a popular, traditional Chinese therapy that has been practiced for over 2000 years. It has recently gained traction in other parts of the world, especially where conventional medicine has failed. For instance, in some instances, it is claimed that acupuncture can alleviate the symptoms of chemotherapy. It can also alleviate allergic conditions more effectively than conventional medicine would, or where conventional medicine is ineffective.

There are many acupuncture benefits. While studies on its benefits in alleviating specific symptoms and diseases are not conclusive, it has been used as traditional Chinese therapy for over 2000. Besides, most people turn to acupuncture when other conventional treatments have failed, which means they don’t have a better choice.

Below are ten surprising benefits of acupuncture.

We live in a world that is wrought with circumstances that induce stress. Since there is just so much going on in our society, anxiety is bound to crop up at some point. Having said that, there are a multitude of ways that can help us both mitigate and manage how much stress we actually have to bare.

One of the best ways to do this? Get yourself a massage. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to provide you with physical relief, and also to calm your internal system.