Weight Loss
Losing weight is one of the most logical ways to reduce the pain from arthritis. The condition itself is the wasting of cartilage from joints. But this can be made worse if you are placing too much strain on those joints. Being overweight or obese does exactly that, so trimming off the excess pounds is not only great for your overall health, it keeps arthritis pain at a minimum too.
Exercise
Physical exercise is absolutely essential if you suffer from arthritis. However, you should swap any impact sports like running for non-impact sports like swimming. This can avoid making the condition worse.
Acupuncture
For many people, acupuncture is an effective pain-relieving treatment for arthritis. Even if you don’t buy into the ‘alternative medicine’ scene it might be worth a try.
Supplements
Supplements offer a boost to the nutrients in your body and this can help combat the condition. Glucosamine and chondroitin have both been shown to be very successful in clinical tests.
Topical Remedies
There are a number of creams and gels that can be applied to the skin. These have proven anti-inflammatory values which ease the painful swelling around the joints. They can be especially useful around the ankles, feet and wrists.
Electricity
There are two different ways that electricity can be used to combat arthritis. The first is electroacupuncture which uses needles that are attached to electrodes. The second is a form of electro-stimulation used by physical therapists; both are effective for short-term pain relief.
Chiropractic Therapy
While chiropractic therapy can’t combat arthritis directly, it can help with the muscle spasms that are often associated with the condition.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an invaluable tool in your personal battle against arthritis. Pick a therapist who is experienced in dealing with patients with osteoarthritis.