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Writer's picture Dr. Jose R. Cadavedo

Say NO to Arthritis Pain!

Updated: Jun 23, 2021


Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints.

A person's age is a major risk factor for knee arthritis, but young people can also get it. Some people may inherit it from their parents. Other people develop symptoms after injuries or infections, or due to obesity.


The two major types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the cartilage between joints wears away. As a result, the bones of the joints rub more closely together. Rubbing can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased mobility, and, sometimes, the formation of bone spurs.


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

The symptoms of RA can be felt throughout a person's body. It's an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue. The knees are usually swollen in rheumatoid arthritis.


Inflamed joints tend to be red, tender, warm, and swollen. For a correct diagnosis and treatment, knee pain with these symptoms should be addressed by a doctor. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is beneficial.


Knee pain can be treated in various ways depending on the cause. Medications can be prescribed to relieve the pain of arthritis, but natural methods are often recommended as well. Always consult your doctor before trying any arthritis treatment, whether it involves medication or not.


There are several simple remedies that can relieve knee pain. Such as:


Physical activity


The most common cause of knee pain is Osteoarthritis (OA), which can be relieved through exercise.

Whether a person suffers from OA or not, being physically active boosts cartilage health. Exercise also strengthens the body's ability to support its joints. It is especially beneficial for the knees to strengthen the leg muscles.


Activities such as water aerobics can relieve joint pain because they are gentle on the knees.


Weight loss and diet


The risk of knee pain is higher for individuals with excess weight or obesity.

Extra weight puts more strain on the joints. Weight loss helps to reduce long-term knee pain, including arthritis pain.


Losing weight is easier with a healthy diet. A healthy diet should be balanced. Such as:

  • high in fruit, vegetables, and fiber

  • low in meat, animal fat, and other fat

Get a massage


Getting a massage can provide a feeling of overall well-being. As well as reducing joint pain, it may also reduce discomfort.

Massage therapists who have experience treating arthritis patients can be recommended by your doctor. OR You could also ask a physical therapist to teach you self-massage.


Use hot and cold therapy


Cold and heat treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation.

  • Warm showers and baths in the morning can help reduce stiffness and a moist heating pad or electric blanket overnight can help relieve discomfort.

  • Cold treatments can help reduce joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. For quick relief, wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin.

Use meditation to cope with pain


By lowering stress and enabling you to cope with arthritis more effectively, meditation and relaxation techniques may help reduce arthritis pain. Pain and inflammation may also be reduced by reducing stress.


ACR/AF recommends tai chi and yoga. With these exercises, you can meditate, relax, and breathe naturally while exercising.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that often leads to anxiety, depression, and stress. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies have found that some patients with RA find mindfulness meditation beneficial.


Consider herbal supplements


Herbal supplements can reduce joint pain, but scientific research hasn't confirmed that any particular herb can treat arthritis.

Herbs that contain these properties include:

  • boswellia

  • bromelain

  • devil’s claw

  • ginkgo

  • stinging nettle

  • thunder god vine

Herbs and supplements are not inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for quality, purity, or safety, so you can't be sure exactly what they contain. It is important to buy from a reliable source.


These were some simple ways to relieve arthritis pain from our knees. However, before taking any supplement, always talk with your doctor. Some supplements can cause side effects or dangerous drug interactions.


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