Alternative Medicine for Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. The two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of motion and soreness. Arthritis can also be accompanied by fever, fatigue, night sweats and rash. Osteoarthritis is caused by years of wear on the bones while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body's immune system attacking the joints.
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Traditional Treatments for Arthritis
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Traditional treatments for arthritis include exercising, drug treatments, physical therapy, alternating hot and cold baths, heating pads, coating heated paraffin wax on afflicted body parts and extra rest or sleep. Additionally, ultrasound treatments administered by occupational therapists or physical therapists can penetrate tissues and provide heat.
Medications beneficial to arthritis patients include analgesics for pain, biologics to block inflammation triggers, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, over-the-counter non-steroidal pain medications and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.
Alternative Treatments for Arthritis
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Alternative treatments for arthritis include weight loss, hot-tub baths, massage, exercise, hot or cold packs and assistance devices such as raised toilet seats, canes and walkers.
Additionally, the nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin are recommended for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin help eliminate stiffness. MCM, or methylsulfonylmethane, causes less joint deterioration. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow. Manganese is a mineral essential to the formation of connective tissue. Vitamin C is needed for the repair and growth of the body's tissues, which can help alleviate arthritis.
Other supplements found beneficial for arthritis include ginger, devil's claw, stinging nettle, turmeric, vitamin A, vitamin E, aloe vera, bromelain and yucca.
Many patients find acupuncture to be an acceptable alternative treatment for arthritis. Additionally, TENS treatments are recommended. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) produces small electrical impulses to stimulate nerves near the joint to help alleviate pain. Additionally, cognitive behavior therapy to help patients deal with pain and pain responses, biofeedback treatments in which patients learn to control their body's responses to pain and hypnosis have proved beneficial to some patients.
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