Natural ways to help arthritis pain
Given you use your hands for just about every activity, arthritis in your hands can be quite uncomfortable. You might have experienced swollen fingers, joint inflammation, stiffness and even pain doing the most menial of tasks.
Of course, there are medications to help improve the condition, but have you considered natural remedies? Here are five treatments for alleviating arthritis pain in your hands.
Honey and cinnamon
Combining honey and cinnamon powder has been found to treat arthritis in the hands and assist in relieving stiff muscles. The excellent healing properties of both honey and cinnamon were first documented in the mid-1990s.
For those suffering arthritis in the hands, it was recommended in a research project conducted by the Copenhagen University that 1 tablespoon of honey mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and taken before breakfast relieved the pain of arthritis in around 60 percent of those tested.
Olive oil
Olive oil has been found to benefit those suffering arthritis symptoms by reducing inflammation, reducing pain and protecting the joints. The oil can be used as a massage oil for your hands and fingers. You can add a couple of drops of lavender oil to 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil and massage into the affected area to alleviate the discomfort and inflammation.
You can also use olive oil for cooking, which will reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Apple cider vinegar
It is well-known that apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and alkaline-forming properties that help reduce the pain and stiffness you might feel in your hands from arthritis.
You can drink a glass of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar each day, or you can mix 1/4 of cayenne pepper powder with 1 cup of warm apple cider vinegar and soak your hands for around 15 minutes.
While your hands might be without pain you tend to take them for granted, but when you have arthritis you start to notice just how important your hands are for daily living. It’s important to follow the advice of your health care professional in addition to using any home remedies. Including exercise and physical therapies into your treatment will also assist in giving you better joint movement in your fingers and hands.
Hot and cold therapy
According to Arthritis Australia, the benefits of heat and cold on joints is yet to be proven, but are still recommended as a way to relax your muscles and stimulate blood circulation. For example, you could have a warm bath or place a hot water bottle over the joint for a few minutes.
As for applying a cool pack, this can be very soothing for hot and inflamed joints. To work out if hot or cold is best for you, speak to your doctor.
Exercise
A treatment that has been proved by research, exercise can be very helpful in reducing plain. Arthritis Australia says, “It also keeps your joints moving, strengthens muscles to support your joints, reduces stress and improves sleep.”
Always talk to a health professional to work out which exercises are right for you.
This article originally appeared on Starts at 60.
