How to Reduce Pain From Osteoarthritis

by Dr Susan Jewell MD

Osteoarthritis affects over 34 million people in USA. It is often found in the older age group within the population. It is the result of “wear and Tear” on the joints over the years, Some factors are lifestyle and genetics like family history. Osteoarthritis affects the fingers, neck, spine, hips, feet, knees, ankles and elbows. This article will help you find ways to reduce the pain and ache from osteoarthritis.

1 Get a daily exercising routine . Walking jogging weight lifting swimming or any type of exercise will help t keep the body healthy and tone and also help reduce the pain and swelling. Do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.

2 Use good shoes for walking and exercising .Buy specially design aerobic shoes to reduce the pain. Shoes made of breathable material and wide enough for the ball of the feet without squeezing it is recommended. made sure there is good support and the heels are padded for extra cushioning.

3 Use of cold and hot temperatures can help alleviate or reduce the pain of arthritis. Heat packs and gel packs can be used during a pain flare up.Use ice for sudden flare-ups and chronic pain and joints that are inflamed. Use hot heat packs wrapped in towels for soreness and achy pains.

4 Sometimes the pain is too much to tolerate then take over the counter anti-inflammatory medications like acetaminophen, eg, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, naproxen. Be careful taking too many of these tables everyday because it can increase risks of developing stomach ulcers.

5 Try epsom salts added to bath water since it contains magnesium sulfate crystals which gives soothing comfort form the painful joints by drawing out the carbon , a waste product fro the the body through the skin

6 Increase intake of joint regenerating compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. readily available in many health food stores and pharmacy.

7 Ginger appears ot help reduce the pain and inflammation form osteoarthritis. Ginger has some anti-inflammatory properties. Take a few thin slcies of ginger and put into a cup of fresh boiled water and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.

8 Eat more hot peppers sinceit contains a compound called capsaicin. I t can also be bought in the pharmacy as a topical cream form, eg, brand called Zostrix. The effect it causes when you put the capsaicin cream over the joint is that it stops the nerve cell’s ability to transmit pain impulses

9 Daily intake of vitamin c will preserve the collagen and connective tissue. It is recommended to take at least 100 milligram a day

10 Eat more foods containing omega-3 like salmon mackerel, flaxseeds or flax oil which has anti-inflammatory properties thus helping to reduce the joint plan.

11 eat more omega-6 since it helps alleviated joint pains form osteoarthritis.
black currant or primrose

12 Increase intake of SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine). It helps to regenerate cartilage, reduce inflammation by serving as a building block to synthesis the substances needed for healthy joints. It is recommended to take 200-800 milligram daily of SAM-e.

13 daily intake of magnesium will help reduce the pain of the joints as well as reducing cramps and improves sleep. Take 60 milligrams per day.

14 Hot tubs and spas can help relax muscles and joints and can help reduce the pain form the joints. Spa kits are cheap and readily available in most major stores.

15 Take a hot shower which will help loosen up the muscles and joint and help to reduce the pain.