Natural Remedies

There is no known cure for arthritis, but it is possible that medicine may serve to lessen the painful symptoms. Some individuals are beginning to seek alternative sources that are available naturally to lessen the painful symptoms of arthritis.  It is important to be aware of any side effects or allergic reactions that are possible with any medication, including those of natural origins.

Some prescriptions incorporate natural remedies themselves, but these are mainly available in other countries and not in the United States.  Acupuncture continues to rise in popularity as a natural treatment for many different pain conditions and arthritis relief is one of its several applications. Acupuncture is known to release endorphins and serotonin into the body which alleviates pain naturally. As with any treatment, it is important that you check the background of the therapist to whom you are going- acupuncture can be damaging if applied incorrectly, and is also fairly expensive.

Other natural treatments that have applications beyond arthritis treatment include methods of focusing and relaxation that take the concentration off arthritis pain. These techniques include yoga and other forms of meditation as well as visualization techniques.  Mostly these are pain management and behavior therapy techniques.

Sometimes, relief comes not only just in what you take into your body but also in what you avoid putting into your body.  Several supporters of natural remedies will stress a limitation on the intake of meat, especially red meat such as beef and pork. Salt, dairy, wheat, and corn are also not recommended dishes for arthritis sufferers.

Some methods of arthritis pain relief involve the application of substances to the surface of the skin rather than taking in substances through the body. Potato compresses and hot water treatments are often proposed as methods of natural arthritis pain remedies.