Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that can cause pain and loss of function in your joints.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis may vary from person to person. Some people with this condition may not develop any symptoms for a longer period of time, while others may experience significant joint damage.
Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. But medical treatment, natural remedies, and some changes in your lifestyle may help you manage the condition.
This article will review the natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments that may help you reduce and manage osteoarthritis symptoms.
Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies may help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms, thanks to their beneficial properties. They may also have a lower risk of side effects than osteoarthritis drugs.
Ginger and turmeric
Ginger can reduce inflammation and joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. You can find ginger in these forms:
- capsules
- powders
- oils
- dried, pickled, and fresh roots
- pastes and pureés
Doctors typically recommend a daily dosage of ginger that may vary from 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg). A doctor can recommend the most appropriate dosage for your individual needs.
Taking a 500-mg capsule of turmeric twice per day may also help reduce the pain, inflammation, and stiffness that you may experience due to osteoarthritis. It’s advised that you opt for turmeric extracts over whole turmeric root because whole turmeric may contain lead.
Check with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements. They can advise you on the proper dosage for your condition.
Green tea
A 2021 review found that green tea may help reduce the inflammation that osteoarthritis can cause in the joints. This is due to the high amount of polyphenols in green tea. Polyphenols have high antioxidant properties and can give a boost to your health.
Yet doctors recommend only a moderate intake of green tea. Large amounts of this herb may cause liver concerns and other side effects.
Lifestyle changes
Exercising regularly and maintaining a moderate weight can play an important role in managing osteoarthritis. Physical exercise can help build up muscles and strengthen your joints. This may result in an improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms.
Exercising can also help you manage osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing any excess body weight, releasing stress, and improving your posture. Having excess weight or obesity can put extra strain on your joints and worsen osteoarthritis symptoms.
It’s best to talk with a doctor or a physical therapist about the most appropriate training plan for your health conditions. Too much exercise can also worsen osteoarthritis.
Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, lean meats, beans, peas, lentils, and whole grains can help you improve osteoarthritis symptoms.
Topical medications
Applying topical medicines to your painful joints may help reduce inflammation and swelling, reducing pain.
A 2020 review found that using topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac (Voltaren), may provide relief from the pain that osteoarthritis can cause.
Doctors may also prescribe capsaicin cream if NSAIDs have no effect in improving your symptoms. Capsaicin cream can block the nerves that send pain messages in the areas where you apply it. You can use capsaicin cream up to four times per day, waiting for at least 4 hours between every application.
Capsaicin cream’s main ingredient is chilies and you may experience a burning sensation on the area where you apply it.
You should avoid hot baths or showers before or after using this cream, as it may worsen the burning sensation. You should also avoid contact with sensitive parts of your body, like eyes or genitals, as this may cause a lot of pain.
Hot and cold compresses
Hot and cold compresses may relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. You can use a hot water bottle filled with hot water or a cold pack chilled in your freezer. You can apply it to the painful area of your body.
Hot compresses can increase muscle relaxation and reduce stiffness in the joint, while cold compresses can help relieve inflammation and pain.
Other treatments
Soaking your body in a warm Epsom salt bath may help increase the magnesium levels in your body. This may help reduce the pain and inflammation that osteoarthritis may cause to your joints.
People with osteoarthritis may also use assistive devices that can help reduce the strain on the affected joints and give them support during daily activities. These supports may include:
- splints
- canes
- shoe inserts
- braces
- grabbing and gripping tools, such as tap turners
A doctor or a physical therapist can recommend the most appropriate assistive device depending on your needs and health conditions.
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