Natural ways to ease arthritis pain

FALLBROOK – A leading cause of disability in the United States and elsewhere, arthritis can be a debilitating disease. Pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms, and millions of people seek relief from arthritis every year.

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease of old age. The Arthritis Foundation says one in every five adults has arthritis, two-thirds of whom are under the age of 65. Even children can suffer from arthritis.

A complex family of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis consists of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This can compromise physical movement and lead to pain.

Arthritis may result from the wearing down of joints and connective tissue through repetitive movement or injury, but it also may be the result of an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is caused by the body's own immune system attacking the membranes around joints, particularly in the hands and feet.

Treating a complex condition like arthritis is not always easy. Treatment of arthritis, which has no cure, typically involves reducing pain and improving mobility. While pain medications can be prescribed to treat arthritis, there are other more natural ways to handle arthritis as well.

* Eat foods that reduce inflammation. Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and connective tissues, so it makes sense that reducing inflammation could ease symptoms. A number of foods, including tart cherries, have been found to reduce inflammation. According to research from Oregon Health & Science University presented in 2012 at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference in San Francisco, tart cherries have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food. The antioxidant compounds -- called anthocyanins – in tart cherries have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications. Spinach, walnuts, garlic, and broccoli also can reduce inflammation.

* Use hot and cold treatments. The University of Washington School of Medicine says hot and cold treatments can reduce swelling, relax muscles and relieve pain. Cold packs can numb sore areas and should be used when symptoms come on suddenly. Heat sources, in contrast, can help ease pain gradually and limber up tight joints and muscles. Always use a towel or barrier between a cold or hot pack and the skin to avoid injury.

* Exercise a few times per week. Although it may hurt to move around, frequent exercise can actually be beneficial in the long run. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling three times a week can help to keep joint pain at bay. Always consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to find out if it is right for your condition. Once you get the green light, start out gradually. If you are experiencing pain for more than an hour after a workout, your workout was too much for your body to handle and you need to lighten the load during your next workout.

* Lose weight. Being overweight can put added pressure on joints and cause more pain. Shedding a few pounds may be all it takes to get substantial relief from pain associated with arthritis.

Many natural therapies can effectively alleviate arthritis pain. Talk to a doctor if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life.