Heat and Cold Therapy for Arthritis Pain

Written by Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD

• How Does Heat and Cold Help Arthritis Pain?
• What Temperature Is Best When Using Heat Therapy for Arthritis?
• Which Types of Heat Therapy Help Arthritis Pain?
• Can Hot Baths or Spas Help Arthritis Pain?
• Does Cold Therapy Help Arthritis Pain?
• How Often Should I Use Heat or Cold Therapy for Arthritis Pain?
• Should I Use Heat or Ice for Acute Injuries?
• More

Is there anything you can do about the pain and stiffness of arthritis? Perhaps you’ve heard that heat or cold therapy can help relieve pain and are wondering if it’s worth giving them a try. Well, it is.

Many arthritis doctors recommend both heat and cold treatments to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis. It may take a little “trial and error” to learn which therapy works best for your pain. But by staying with it, you may find the right combination of hot packs and ice packs to get the most relief from pain and make it easier to manage arthritis. If pain persists, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Heat or cold therapy works by stimulating your body’s own healing force. For instance, heat dilates the blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and reduces muscle spasms. In addition, heat alters the sensation of pain. You can use either dry heat — such as heating pads or heat lamps — or moist heat — such as warm baths or heated wash cloths.

Conversely, cold compresses reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. While cold packs may be uncomfortable at first, they can numb deep pain.

When using moist heat therapy, make sure the temperature is not so hot that you burn your skin. Find a temperature that you can comfortably tolerate, whether using a bath, hot water bottle, or spa therapy.

You also need to give it time to work. Use the moist heat application for at least 15 minutes before exercise. Then use it again immediately following exercise. You can also use moist heat anytime you want additional relief from arthritis pain.

You can choose from the following popular types of heat therapy for arthritis pain:

• disposable heat patches or belts available at most drugstores
• heated swimming pool
• hot packs (some can be warmed in a microwave)
• moist heating pad
• therapeutic mixture of paraffin and mineral oil
• warm bath
• warm shower
• warm whirlpool or hot tub
• warm, moist towel or cloth

You may also sit on a stool that has rubber tips for safety while letting the warm shower hit the affected area. The constant heat flowing on the arthritic joint or pain site helps to keep pain minimal and allows for easier movement.

Many people with arthritis find relief from pain and stiffness with hot baths or spas. The moist heat increases muscle relaxation, boosts blood supply to the site of pain, and relieves rigidity and spasms in the muscles. But avoid spending more than 10 minutes at a time in a hot tub if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are pregnant.

Yes. Cold packs numb the sore area and reduce inflammation and swelling. Ice packs are especially good for joint pain caused by an arthritis flare. You might also try using a local spray such as fluoromethane (nonflammable) on your back or painful area before and after exercise. This superficial cooling decreases muscle spasms and increases the threshold for pain. Or you can make instant cold packs from frozen bags of vegetables.

Some patients prefer cold therapy to moist heat for arthritis pain, while others tell of having the best relief when they alternate the sessions with moist heat and ice. You can experiment with moist heat and ice therapy and then select the method that gives the best relief with the least trouble or expense.

Try to use moist heat or ice packs at least twice a day for the best relief from pain and stiffness.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, five to 10-minute ice massages applied to a painful area within the first 48 hours of pain onset can provide relief. So can heat, which relaxes the muscles. Heat should be used for pain that lasts longer than 48 hours.

If the new injury is red, swollen, or inflamed, then cooling the injury may help prevent inflammation. For example, if your pain stems from a muscle injury, treat it immediately with RICE — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the injured body part and then apply ice. You can use an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables or fruit for 20 minutes. Then take it off for 20 minutes. Add compression with a firm elastic bandage. Elevate the injured part to keep swelling to a minimum.

Before using moist heat or ice therapy, be sure your skin is dry and free from cuts and sores. If you have visible skin damage, don’t use cold or heat. And always protect your skin with a towel. After using heat or cold, gently move the arthritic joint to reduce stiffness.

Top Picks

Heat and Cold Therapy for Arthritis Pain

Written by Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD

• How Does Heat and Cold Help Arthritis Pain?
• What Temperature Is Best When Using Heat Therapy for Arthritis?
• Which Types of Heat Therapy Help Arthritis Pain?
• Can Hot Baths or Spas Help Arthritis Pain?
• Does Cold Therapy Help Arthritis Pain?
• How Often Should I Use Heat or Cold Therapy for Arthritis Pain?
• Should I Use Heat or Ice for Acute Injuries?
• More

Is there anything you can do about the pain and stiffness of arthritis? Perhaps you’ve heard that heat or cold therapy can help relieve pain and are wondering if it’s worth giving them a try. Well, it is.

Many arthritis doctors recommend both heat and cold treatments to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis. It may take a little “trial and error” to learn which therapy works best for your pain. But by staying with it, you may find the right combination of hot packs and ice packs to get the most relief from pain and make it easier to manage arthritis. If pain persists, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Heat or cold therapy works by stimulating your body’s own healing force. For instance, heat dilates the blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and reduces muscle spasms. In addition, heat alters the sensation of pain. You can use either dry heat — such as heating pads or heat lamps — or moist heat — such as warm baths or heated wash cloths.

Conversely, cold compresses reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. While cold packs may be uncomfortable at first, they can numb deep pain.

When using moist heat therapy, make sure the temperature is not so hot that you burn your skin. Find a temperature that you can comfortably tolerate, whether using a bath, hot water bottle, or spa therapy.

You also need to give it time to work. Use the moist heat application for at least 15 minutes before exercise. Then use it again immediately following exercise. You can also use moist heat anytime you want additional relief from arthritis pain.

You can choose from the following popular types of heat therapy for arthritis pain:

• disposable heat patches or belts available at most drugstores
• heated swimming pool
• hot packs (some can be warmed in a microwave)
• moist heating pad
• therapeutic mixture of paraffin and mineral oil
• warm bath
• warm shower
• warm whirlpool or hot tub
• warm, moist towel or cloth

You may also sit on a stool that has rubber tips for safety while letting the warm shower hit the affected area. The constant heat flowing on the arthritic joint or pain site helps to keep pain minimal and allows for easier movement.

Many people with arthritis find relief from pain and stiffness with hot baths or spas. The moist heat increases muscle relaxation, boosts blood supply to the site of pain, and relieves rigidity and spasms in the muscles. But avoid spending more than 10 minutes at a time in a hot tub if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are pregnant.

Yes. Cold packs numb the sore area and reduce inflammation and swelling. Ice packs are especially good for joint pain caused by an arthritis flare. You might also try using a local spray such as fluoromethane (nonflammable) on your back or painful area before and after exercise. This superficial cooling decreases muscle spasms and increases the threshold for pain. Or you can make instant cold packs from frozen bags of vegetables.

Some patients prefer cold therapy to moist heat for arthritis pain, while others tell of having the best relief when they alternate the sessions with moist heat and ice. You can experiment with moist heat and ice therapy and then select the method that gives the best relief with the least trouble or expense.

Try to use moist heat or ice packs at least twice a day for the best relief from pain and stiffness.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, five to 10-minute ice massages applied to a painful area within the first 48 hours of pain onset can provide relief. So can heat, which relaxes the muscles. Heat should be used for pain that lasts longer than 48 hours.

If the new injury is red, swollen, or inflamed, then cooling the injury may help prevent inflammation. For example, if your pain stems from a muscle injury, treat it immediately with RICE — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the injured body part and then apply ice. You can use an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables or fruit for 20 minutes. Then take it off for 20 minutes. Add compression with a firm elastic bandage. Elevate the injured part to keep swelling to a minimum.

Before using moist heat or ice therapy, be sure your skin is dry and free from cuts and sores. If you have visible skin damage, don’t use cold or heat. And always protect your skin with a towel. After using heat or cold, gently move the arthritic joint to reduce stiffness.

Top Picks

In violation of the joint. What will help get rid of pain – a heating pad or ice | Healthy life | Health

11/28/2020 00:07

Lidia Yudina

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

7278

Weekly “Arguments and Facts” No. 48. And who is to blame? 25/11/2020

Shutterstock.com

Everyone experiences joint pain from time to time. Is it possible to prevent rheumatic lesions and what to do if the disease has already occurred?

Tells chief freelance rheumatologist of the Ministry of Health, scientific director of the Research Institute of Rheumatology. Nasonov Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Evgeny Nasonov .

Lidia Yudina, AiF: Evgeny Lvovich, is it true that cold weather is the worst time for joints?

Evgeniy Nasonov : This is partly true. In cold weather, barometric pressure may decrease, which leads to increased swelling or impaired blood supply to the joint. And it causes pain. In winter, there is also an increase in the activity of genes that regulate the synthesis of mediators of inflammation and pain. However, a more obvious reason is seasonal viral infections, against which people with a predisposition to rheumatic diseases often develop an exacerbation of an already existing process. And the joints, which were silent in the warm season, remind of themselves in the cold.

Every first

– According to statistics, 40% of people suffer from joint diseases…

– I think that every person experiences joint pain at least once in their life. Some diseases are manifested by local pain, disappear on their own or after a brief treatment with analgesics, so patients do not reach doctors and are not included in the statistics. However, many chronic joint diseases begin with just such minor pain. Since physicians have the best opportunity to help a patient with rheumatic diseases at an early stage, even with moderate but persistent pain (especially in several joints at once), we recommend contacting a specialist.

At the age of 20–50 years, women most often develop rheumatoid arthritis (in which joint pain rarely disappears spontaneously and haunts a person all his life), in men – ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev’s disease). Most people over 60 have degenerative changes in their joints (osteoarthritis).

– Or maybe joint diseases are inevitable, because their service life is designed for a certain number of flexion-extension?

– From the point of view of biomechanics, the limit of the joints probably exists. But they have a colossal margin of safety, and a person cannot exhaust it in his life (however long it may be). According to various estimates, we use only 10-15% of this resource. The exception is professional sports, in which people with a predisposition develop joint pathology very early. In other cases, physical activity is only beneficial.

– Chondroprotectors are recommended for diseases of the joints…

– This term unites a large group of biologically active substances (supplements). Their role in preventing the progression of degenerative joint diseases is small. For example, osteoarthritis can develop due to many reasons, and it is naive to believe that all of them can be eliminated with the help of one, even if very useful substance.

– How to protect joints from destruction?

– 90% of success in the treatment of degenerative joint diseases is not due to drugs. The basis of prevention and treatment is dosed physical activity, which improves the functioning of the joint (this is a decisive factor) and helps prevent both the development and progression of rheumatic lesions.

The second most important condition is the normalization of body weight. Excess weight is an extra load on the joints. Also, patients with obesity always have poorly controlled chronic inflammation, which also provokes inflammation in the joints. With rheumatic ailments (primarily osteoarthritis), a decrease in body weight by only 10% gives an effect comparable to taking analgesics. Another proven risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis is smoking.

How to fix?

– The pain appears suddenly and at an inopportune time. What is better to use as a home ambulance – heat or cold?

– There is no definite answer. The choice of method depends not so much on the intensity of pain, but on the stage and nature of the disease. In acute inflammation, cold helps – it causes vasoconstriction and reduces blood flow to the affected joint, thereby limiting the action of inflammatory mediators that cause pain. In the chronic stage, in the absence of an acute process, thermal procedures give a good effect. However, you need to understand that both heat and cold are auxiliary means. They help relieve pain, but it is impossible to cure joints in this way. Medical supervision is required.

– Is it possible to restore a damaged joint by starting treatment in time?

– Not at present. A large number of studies are underway, the purpose of which is to find ways to restore a destroyed joint (mainly in osteoarthritis of the knee joints). Great hopes are placed on mesenchymal stem cells, which allow the growth and transplantation of cartilage cells (chondrocytes), but all research on this topic is at an early stage. In addition, they involve the correction of only local damage (which in most cases occurs due to injuries). And with systemic rheumatic diseases, a large number of joints are simultaneously affected, and they need to be “repaired” at the same time.

Regenerative medicine is developing and has great prospects, but it is unlikely that it will enter the daily practice of rheumatologists in the foreseeable future.

Every patient today will need a joint replacement surgery sooner or later. In the United States, for example, 500,000 such operations are performed annually, more than cardiac interventions (coronary bypass grafting and stenting). In Russia, this figure is still more modest – 100 thousand operations per year, but their number is constantly growing.

There are contraindications. Be sure to consult a doctor

diseases of the musculoskeletal system diseases of the joints

Next article

Early Arthritis Treatment: Effective Methods and Recommendations

Contents

• 1 Early Stage Arthritis: How to Cure and Cope Without Pain?
  • 1. 1 Early Arthritis Treatment: The Importance of Seeking a Doctor
    • 1.1.1 When should you see a doctor?
  • 1.2 What is arthritis?
  • 1.3 Causes of arthritis
  • 1.4 Symptoms of arthritis
  • 1.5 Diagnosis of arthritis
  • 1.6 Arthritis without drugs: effective treatments
    • 1.6.1 Exercises for joints:
    • 1.6.2 Diet:
    • 1.6.3 Thermal treatments:
    • 1.6.4 Massage:
  • 1.7 Physiotherapy for arthritis
  • 1.8 Complex treatment of arthritis
  • 1.9 Medication for arthritis
  • 1.10 Diet for arthritis
    • 1.10.1 Basic dietary guidelines for arthritis:
    • 1.10.2 What to eat for arthritis:
    • 1.10.3 Sample menu for arthritis:
  • 1.11 Phytotherapy – an effective method for the treatment of arthritis in the initial stage
    • 1.11.1 Which plants help with arthritis?
    • 1.11.2 How to use herbal medicine for arthritis?
  • 1. 12 Prevention of arthritis
    • 1.12.1 Proper nutrition
    • 1.12.2 Regular exercise
    • 1.12.3 Avoid overwork
    • 1.12.4 Weight control
    • 1.12.5 Correct movement and posture 9010 0
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What symptoms are observed in a person with the initial stage of arthritis?
      • 1.14.0.2 What are the most effective treatments for the early stages of arthritis?
      • 1.14.0.3 What role does physical activity play in the treatment of early stage arthritis?
      • 1.14.0.4 Can arthritis be treated in the early stages without medication?
      • 1.14.0.5 What is the recommended diet for arthritis in the early stages?
      • 1.14.0.6 How effective are traditional methods in the treatment of arthritis in the early stages?

Arthritis is a disease that can damage joint tissues and limit movement. In this article, you will find tips for treating arthritis in the early stages, which will help maintain healthy joints and improve the quality of life.

Arthritis is a joint disease characterized by inflammation, pain and limitation of movement. It can occur in anyone at any age. The initial stage of arthritis is the moment when the disorders are still minor and there are all possibilities for effective and long-term treatment.

The treatment of arthritis at the stage of initial development has its own characteristics and requires its own approach. It is important to carry out complex therapy, which includes not only drug treatment, but also physiotherapy, diet and sports.

The purpose of this article is to review effective methods and recommendations for the treatment of arthritis in the early stages. It will give you the opportunity to more fully understand what the initial stage of arthritis is and what methods will help to cope with this disease.

Treating the early stage of arthritis: the importance of seeking medical attention

Arthritis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the articular tissues and severe pain. Left untreated, arthritis can become chronic and lead to permanent joint damage and limited movement.

The main treatments for arthritis include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, massage, muscle strengthening exercises, etc. It is also important to monitor nutrition, eliminating alcohol, fatty and peppery foods from the diet.

In the initial stage of arthritis, alternative methods of treatment can be used, but it is worth remembering that they cannot replace qualified medical care and consultation with a doctor.

When should you see a doctor?

• Pain or discomfort in joints with or without exertion;
• Swelling and redness of articular tissues;
• Restriction of movement in the joints;
• “Crunching” or “clicking” in the joints;
• The appearance of pain when changing weather conditions.

If you suspect arthritis, don’t delay your visit to your doctor and get expert help to help you stay healthy and active.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that affects the human joints and leads to inflammatory processes in the joint fluid and tissues. In the initial stage, arthritis may go unnoticed, but over time, symptoms can worsen and lead to negative consequences, such as limited movement and pain.

There are several types of arthritis: rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, psoriatic, infectious, etc. Each type has its own characteristics and may require an individual approach to treatment.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing them to become inflamed and destroyed.
2. Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the progressive destruction of cartilage in the joints leads to limited movement, pain and deformity.
3. Psoriatic arthritis is a joint disease that occurs in patients with psoriasis. It leads to damage to the joints and skin, restriction of movement and pain.

The treatment of arthritis should be individualized, depending on the type and extent of the disease, as well as on the individual characteristics of the patient. Early detection of arthritis and initiation of treatment at the initial stage can help to successfully stop joint destruction and maintain health.

Causes of arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the joints and leads to pain and movement disorders. This disease can be caused by various reasons.

• Genetic factor . People who have relatives with arthritis have a significantly higher risk of the disease.
• Autoimmune disorders . When the body’s immune system “mistakes” and begins to attack its own cells, including the joints, arthritis occurs.
• Infections . Certain types of infections, such as AIDS, hepatitis, influenza, and others, can cause arthritis.
• Injuries . Joint damage from falls, bruises, fractures, and other injuries can lead to the development of arthritis.
• Joint stress . People who constantly put stress on their joints, such as athletes, have an increased risk of developing arthritis.

Arthritis may be caused by one or more of these factors. When joint pain occurs, it is important to consult a doctor and start treatment at the initial stage of the disease.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease of the joints that is accompanied by pain, limitation of movement and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type of disease and its severity.

Many patients feel that arthritis is ruining their quality of life, making every other day a painful ordeal. Postponing treatment can make the disease worse, so it’s important to seek help immediately if you notice the first symptoms of arthritis.

Arthritis Diagnosis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint that can lead to stress and pain. To effectively treat arthritis, it is necessary to conduct the correct diagnosis. Basically, diagnosis is based on symptoms, the patient’s history, and a general examination.

General examination includes joint palpation, flexibility and strength tests, joint visual inspection. The patient is also referred for blood and urine tests, which can show the presence of inflammatory processes in the body. X-rays may be required to see the extent of joint damage and possible deformities.

At the onset of the disease, arthritis may not have severe symptoms and manifestations. Therefore, the chances of effective treatment are greatly increased if you see a doctor at the first sign. The doctor will diagnose and determine the stage of the disease. As a result, you can quickly begin treatment and prevent further development of arthritis.

Arthritis without drugs: effective treatments

Joint exercises:

For the treatment of arthritis without drugs, regular joint exercises can be helpful. To do this, you can use special sets of physical exercises that help improve blood circulation in the joints, increase their flexibility and strength.

To effectively treat arthritis, you need to exercise regularly and gradually increase the load.

Diet:

For the treatment of arthritis, it is also important to monitor your diet. Of great importance is the use of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish and seafood.

It is also worth reducing the consumption of fatty and fried foods, sweets and starchy foods, as this type of food can contribute to the deterioration of the joints.

Heat treatments:

Various heat treatments, such as a heating pad or hot compress, can also relieve joint pain and improve circulation. However, it should be remembered that in acute conditions, thermal procedures are not recommended, as they can only aggravate inflammation.

Massage:

A holistic approach to treating arthritis can also include massage. Massage helps to improve blood circulation in the joints, increase their flexibility and strength, and relieve pain. However, before applying the massage, you should consult your doctor.

Physiotherapy for Arthritis

Evolving Physiotherapy is one of the important treatments for arthritis in the early stages. It allows you to strengthen and develop weak muscles, increase the range of motion in the joints, reduce pain and inflammation. Exercise, massage, and electrical stimulation may be prescribed by your doctor to help you manage your symptoms.

One of the most effective methods of physiotherapy for arthritis is gymnastics. A set of exercises should be selected individually, depending on the type and degree of the disease. The attending physician may prescribe a system of exercises with films, rubber rings, small dumbbells and other training devices.

• Some exercises for the treatment of arthritis:
• Repetitive movements of the arms and legs of a given amplitude;
• Slow to moderate stretches;
• Sliding movements of the joints;
• Circular movements of the joints;
• Ball games to improve coordination;
• Gymnastics on interesting exercise equipment, such as large soft balls and sand;
• Swimming and water exercises.

Physical therapy for arthritis is a very effective therapy, especially when used in combination with other methods such as medications and physical therapy.

Comprehensive treatment for arthritis

Comprehensive treatment, including not only drug therapy, but also physiotherapy, diet and regular exercise, is required to effectively combat arthritis in the early stages.

• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physiotherapy: electrophoresis, ultrasound, laser therapy, and other methods can help improve circulation to the joints and reduce inflammation.
• Diet: Limiting the intake of foods high in animal fats and carbohydrates helps improve joint health and reduce swelling.
• Exercise: Regular exercise, such as yoga or Pilates, will help improve flexibility and maintain joint health.

It is important to remember that in the treatment of arthritis in the initial stage, the effectiveness of therapy depends on the regularity of its implementation and the implementation of all doctor’s recommendations.

Arthritis drugs

Arthritis is an unpleasant disease caused by inflammation of the joints. In the early stages of arthritis, drug treatment is usually used. Several drugs can relieve pain and inflammation, prolong the intervals between flare-ups, and slow the progression of the disease.

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) . This is a group of medicines that help manage pain and inflammation. They reduce the level of prostaglandins – substances that cause pain and inflammation of the connective tissue. For example, diclofenac, ibuprofen and nimesulide.
• Corticosteroids . This is a group of hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands. They quickly reduce inflammation and reduce pain. The most commonly used injection route of administration. For example, diprostat and methylprednisolone.
• Chondroprotectors . This is a group of drugs designed to reduce the destruction of cartilage and stimulate its recovery. They can be made from natural or artificial substances such as glucosamine and chondroitin. When using chondroprotectors, the pain in the joints becomes less intense, and the cartilage becomes more elastic.

The choice of medicine to treat arthritis in the initial stage is based on the type of arthritis, as well as its severity and signs.

Arthritis Diet

Arthritis Nutrition Guidelines:

For arthritis, it is important to monitor your diet and make sure it is rich in the nutrients needed to strengthen joints and reduce inflammation in the body. Arthritis nutrition guidelines:

• Avoid foods that can cause inflammation, such as fatty and fried foods, canned food and fast food;
• Increase your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables;
• Increase intake of foods rich in vitamin C and D, such as citrus fruits, potatoes, eggs, and fish oil;
• Reduce consumption of foods containing glucose, pork, and foods that produce the hormone insulin, such as white bread, buns, and cakes.

What to eat for arthritis:

For arthritis, it is helpful to increase your intake of foods that contain nutrients, such as:

• Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids;
• Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C;
• Nuts rich in vitamin E;
• Foods containing vitamin D, such as fish oil and egg yolk.

A sample menu for arthritis:

A sample menu for people with arthritis might look like this:

TimeDish

Phytotherapy is an effective method for the treatment of arthritis in the initial stage

Which plants help with arthritis?

Phytotherapy is a treatment for arthritis that uses herbal preparations to help restore joint health and reduce inflammation. Among the most popular herbs for the treatment of arthritis are:

• Turmeric is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory that can improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
• Nettle – has a diuretic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, and also contains magnesium, potassium and calcium, which positively affect bone health.
• Peppermint – Increases blood flow to the joints and reduces pain due to its soothing properties.
• Comfrey – this plant greatly strengthens ligaments and cartilage, improves blood circulation in the joints and promotes the healing of minor injuries.

How to use herbal medicine for arthritis?

The use of herbal medicine for the treatment of arthritis can be very effective if used correctly. Usually herbal preparations are taken in the form of tinctures, decoctions and teas for a long period of time.

For example, to treat arthritis, you can brew nettle leaf tea and drink it several times a day. You also need to eat right to keep your joints healthy. The diet should include enough fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in calcium and magnesium, two important minerals for bone and joint health.

Arthritis prevention

Proper nutrition

To prevent arthritis, it is recommended to include more vegetables and fruits in the diet, especially rich in vitamins C and E. It is also important to consume enough protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, nuts and vegetable oils.

Regular exercise

Moderate exercise on the joints helps strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility. Especially useful for the prevention of arthritis are stretching exercises and strengthening the muscles of the legs.

Avoid overwork

Excessive stress on the joints can lead to impaired function. It is recommended to devote a sufficient amount of time to rest, and when doing physical exercises, it is important to monitor your feelings and not overwork.

Weight management

Being overweight is a risk factor for developing arthritis, so it is important to maintain a normal weight and carry out preventive weight control.

Correct movements and postures

Avoid unwanted movements that put stress on your joints. Do not sit in one position for a long time. During the day, it is recommended to take regular breaks and warm up for the joints.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What symptoms are observed in a person with the initial stage of arthritis?

At the initial stage of arthritis, a person may feel pain in the joints, notice their swelling and morning stiffness, as well as general fatigue and decreased performance.

What are the most effective treatments for the early stages of arthritis?

At the initial stage of arthritis, the most effective treatment methods are drug therapy, physical therapy, as well as proper nutrition and daily routine.

What role does physical activity play in the treatment of early stage arthritis?

Physical activity in the early stages of arthritis plays an important role in keeping the joints working, strengthening muscle tissue and relieving pain. However, it is necessary to take into account the degree of the disease and follow an individually selected training program.

Is it possible to treat arthritis in the early stages without medication?

Treatment of arthritis at the initial stage without the use of drugs is possible only in rare cases and with minor manifestations of the disease. However, in most cases, it is impossible to do without appropriate drug therapy.

What is the recommended diet for early stage arthritis?

It is recommended to eat right, in moderation, excluding fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, salty, sweet and smoked foods. It is recommended to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, greens, protein products, seafood, as well as vitamin complexes and supplements in the diet.