Ease Arthritis Pain Fast With 9 Natural Remedies Women Over 50 Swear By
Soothe inflammation and stiffness while improving your range of motion
Between family game nights, pickleball with friends and walking Fido, the last thing we want is to be sidelined by joint pain and inflammation, a problem that plagues more than 53 million people in the United States. And cold temperatures and barometric pressure shifts only worsen discomfort by irritating nerves and making it harder to keep up with the type of regular physical activity that keeps aches at bay. Here’s how to ease stubborn arthritis pain naturally for long-lasting relief.
9 natural ways to ease arthritis pain
Whether you prefer to try natural remedies before taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or in addition to an OTC to ease chronic pain, these science-backed fixes help reduce inflammation and restore your range of motion so you feel better fast.
Woman's World Answers
Serve up salmon
The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon block enzymes called cytokines that play a key role in the inflammatory response that triggers arthritis pain, according to U.K. researchers. Just one to two servings of salmon or other fatty fish per week can significantly ease joint inflammation, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients.
Not a fan of seafood? You can supplement with omega-3-rich fish oil instead, such as Country Life Natural Omega-3 Fish Body Oils. (And check out how much omega-3 you need a day for optimal health.)
Cushion your kitchen
A quick fix that eases arthritis pain in the short term: an anti-fatigue floor mat. The inexpensive mats have been shown by University of Oklahoma researchers to decrease discomfort in the back, hips, knees, neck and shoulders in those who needed to stand for long stretches. Plus they’re available in cute colors and patterns to liven up your kitchen décor.
Try ginger capsules
In addition to zinging up your favorite pumpkin pie recipe, ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps treat arthritis pain naturally, according to a meta-analysis published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Ginger reduces interleukin (IL)-1, the same inflammatory protein targeted by some prescription arthritis treatments designed to improve quality of life. Of course you’ll want to talk to your doctor before supplementing, but most experts suggest a daily dose of 500 mg.
Sleep like this
To ease arthritis pain during the day, consider how you sleep at night. Sleeping on your back is the best way to prevent painful joint straining, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Committed to side sleeping? Try placing a pillow between your knees to relieve pressure and keep your hips aligned and relieve arthritis pain while you snooze.
Warm now, then cool later
Apply a heating pad for 10 minutes, wait three hours, then follow up with a cooling gel pack. The simple trick provides both immediate and lasting benefits when it comes to arthritis pain relief. Warming aching joints boosts blood flow, reducing pain by as much as 40 percent, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Following with a cooling gel pack later then dials down the stubborn inflammation at the root of the discomfort.
Consider curcumin
The vibrant yellow spice turmeric has been a go-to treatment to ease arthritis pain for centuries in India. And a four-week study in the journal Trials now suggests that the compound curcumin in the spice reduces painful arthritis inflammation as effectively as Voltaren—and without the NSAID’s side effects. The study-proven supplement: 500 mg of BCM-95 turmeric, taken three times daily for at least a month. One to try: Health Thru Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin.
Supplement with ‘pineapple powder’
An enzyme powerhouse in pineapples called bromelain could be the secret to arthritis pain relief. An Austrian review found that taking 540 mg of bromelain daily eased osteoarthritis pain as effectively as a prescription NSAID within three weeks.
And by week four, pain levels dropped by 80 percent. This natural inflammation fighter soothes swelling and pain while shielding joints from damage. Try blending bromelain powder into a smoothie to start your day with a tasty boost. Note: Avoid bromelain if you take blood thinners.
Rub on pepper
Research in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage reports that capsaicin—the compound that gives hot peppers their heat—eases pain just as well as popular topical pain-relieving drugs when smoothed over osteoarthritis pain points. By faking a sensation of warmth, capsaicin tricks chemical messengers in the body, dulling their ability to transmit pain signals.
You can use store-bought versions, such as CVS Capsaicin 0.1% Arthritis Pain Relief Cream. Or you can make your own by stirring 1 tsp. of cayenne powder into 2 Tbs. of vegetable oil, then rubbing a few drops over achy joints.
Reach for the ‘super duo’
Pairing anti-inflammatory glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin slows the progression of osteoarthritis and heals existing joint damage. Glucosamine tamps down damage to cartilage, say Italian scientists. And chondroitin calms inflammation, alleviating pain in moderate-to-severe arthritis cases as effectively as Celebrex, suggests a study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
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