5 Tips to Combat Arthritis Pain

There are over a hundred different forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common. It is a degenerative joint disease that often accompanies the aging process. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and tenderness. Joint locking and increased fluid around the joint may also occur.

While over-the-counter and prescription medications may be used to relieve the pain and minimize the symptoms, the drugs are not without side effects. It is possible to combat arthritis pain naturally. Here are five tips that should help. They might not have an immediate effect but if you stick with the program, you will get relief.

Tip 1: Do Gentle Exercises

If you are not currently exercising, you will need to start out slowly. In other words, don't go out and try to play tennis. Start with gentle exercises like swimming.

A recumbent bike is often recommended by physical therapists for improving knee flexibility and reducing knee pain. Yoga stretches can improve flexibility in all of the joints. Low impact cardiovascular activity of any kind can be helpful.

Tip 2: Watch Your Weight

If you are overweight, the extra pounds put extra strain on your joints. If you are 20 pounds overweight, think about how hard it would be to go for a hike with a 20 pound backpack. Losing even a few pounds can reduce the load on the joints of your lower body.

Tip 3: Take a Good Fish Oil Supplement

Fish oil has long been regarded as a remedy for naturally reducing joint pain. Recent studies have shown that some brands have potent anti-inflammatory activity. Not all brands are the same, of course. So, it is important to do the research and buy a good brand. Cheap fish oils will provide no relief and could even be tainted with toxins.

Tip 4: Try an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Inflammation is involved in all forms of arthritis and also plays a role in the general aging process. Research has shown that what we eat can either cause inflammation in our body or reduce it.

There are a number of different anti-inflammatory diets. Some are based on the glycemic index of foods. Others are more general. Dr. Weil's Anti-inflammatory Food Pyramid is a good guide to get you started. The doctor also recommends fish oil and other dietary supplements.

Tip 5: Take a Good Dietary Supplement

Dietary supplements can help support joint health and reduce pain. One of the most effective, according to several studies, is Green Lipped Mussel Powder. The green-lipped mussel is a type of shell fish. It has proven benefits for reducing pain, stiffness and swelling. To get the best results, you want a product that is 100% green-lipped mussel powder.

Specialty supplements that combat arthritis symptoms naturally are also available. There are many of these supplements on the market. When you are comparing them, you need to look for specific ingredients if you want the best results.

Many products contain only glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin are good but they have no anti-inflammatory activity and do not provide all of the nutritional support your body needs for good joint health. Other ingredients to look for include chitin, corktree extract, ginger, rutin, turmeric, MSM, chaste berry, piperine and vitamin D3.

Some of the best supplements contain all of those ingredients, as well as a small dose of green lipped mussel extract. With the right nutritional support, you can recover from the pain of arthritis naturally.

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