Arthritis is one of the common concerns of adults, especially the elderly. While it does not refer to a single disease, it is usually an informal manner of expressing joint pain or a joint disease. Osteoarthritis stands as the most common form arthritis and the other usual rheumatic conditions include fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Causes
Arthritis has several causes. According to Medical News Today, the condition may be caused by genetics, just like in osteoarthritis; abnormal metabolism, which leads to gout and pseudogout; injury, leading to degenerative arthritis; infections, such as the arthritis of Lyme disease; and immune system dysfunction, such as in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Signs and Symptoms
Arthritis presents several signs and symptoms. According to Medicine Net, these include pain and limited joint function secondary to joint inflammation, which is marked by redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. As per the publication, arthritis affecting the small joints in fingers may involve bone growth, as well as loss of hand grip and grip strength. Some forms of the disorder may also present signs and symptoms like fever, weight loss, gland or lymph node swelling, and weight loss.
Home Remedies
While medications are available to manage arthritis, especially pain, home remedies can also be done as supportive management for the disorder.
Turmeric and Ginger Tea
Turmeric and ginger are two among the several potential remedies for arthritis. According to Everyday Roots, both are anti-inflammatory in nature; thus, they should help manage osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric also has an ingredient called curcumin, which acts a s a powerful antioxidant. In addition, turmeric has properties that reduce the levels of the enzymes responsible for the inflammation.
As per the publication, the ingredients are two cups of water, half teaspoon of ground turmeric, half teaspoon of ground ginger, and honey to taste. To prepare the tea, two cups of water are brought to boil and the half teaspoons of garlic and turmeric are added. They are reduced to a simmer for ten to 15 minutes. Finally, the tea is strained and honey is added to taste.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Food selection can be a factor when it comes to the management and relief of arthritis. According to Reader’s Digest, a Swedish study learned that people who engaged with a Mediterranean eating plan, which covered herbs, onions, garlic, nuts, olive oil, fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, had reduced inflammation and gained some physical capabilities as an outcome.
Exercise
Exercise is another remedy for arthritis. According to Health, physical activity is beneficial to people with osteoarthitis. Examples, as per the publication, include walking around the apartment or performing aerobic routines, such as walking, swimming, or biking. Also, strengthening exercises like isotonic and isometric exercises can also be done.
Heat and Cold Therapy
The application of heat and cold also helps manage arthritis symptoms. According to The George Washington University Hospital clinical director Girish Padmanabhan, as cited by Arthritis Foundation, muscle spasms could cause blood flow constriction. With this, Padmanabhan said that heat worked by increasing the blood floor to the painful area, relaxing the muscles. On the other hand, cold traveled along large nerve fibers, which superseded pain sensations that travel along the small fibers. In addition, cold application also constricts the blood vessels, which eventually leads to the reduction of swelling and inflammation.
Arthritis does not share the same severity with tuberculosis and cancer; however, it yields pain that adversely affects the comfort level and optimal level of function of a person. Thus, it is best to seek medical consult with a health professional for proper assessment, planning, intervention, health education, and evaluation of outcomes.
