Five Successful Ways to Lessen Arthritis Pain Right Now

There are a lot of people in pain. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tell us that 23% of all adults in the United States suffer from arthritis. Over 54 million people deal with this pain, and it interferes with the life of people of all ages. The CDC reports that arthritis is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion.

As you get older, arthritis can worsen and even lead you to require help with daily activities and need long-term health care. 

Here are five effective ways to reduce arthritis pain without pharmaceuticals. Find ways to manage your arthritis pain and improve your way of life.

Arthritis stems from a few factors. The cartilage between your bones may have worn away, or your autoimmune system may be attacking your bones. Both conditions result in painful inflammation in your joints for which there is no cure. 

While you can take medication to relieve your symptoms, pharmaceuticals have side effects that many people do not want to experience. So instead, check out five effective ways to reduce arthritis pain naturally without the side effects drugs may cause.

Eat More Whole Foods

A balanced diet may help your joint pain if it results from inflammation because some foods are anti-inflammatory. Adding more of these foods to your diet may improve joint pain or reduce some other symptoms related to arthritis. Plant-based whole grains that are not heavily processed are best. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties include:

• Almonds
• Spinach
• Apples
• Grapes
• Mushrooms
• Peppers
• Avocados
• Broccoli
• Berries
• Green tea

Get Physical

Some people may benefit from exercise or increased activity to improve arthritis. You should keep your joints loose and limber to prevent them from stiffening. In addition, exercise may improve overall joint function by strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Pro Tip: You can find all sorts of ways to stay active as you age! Go on a walk, ride a bike, take a fitness class, or tend to a garden to keep yourself healthy.

Take Supplements

Sometimes, eating the right foods isn't enough to get the nutrients you need. Talk to a doctor about which nutrients your body may lack and which ones could help with your arthritis. Common supplements for joint pain include:

• Omega 3 fats - You can get Omega 3 through fatty fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. You can get Omega 3 supplements to take as well.
• Vitamin D - It comes from the sun; a deficiency may result in rheumatoid arthritis. Foods like egg yolks can be a source of Vitamin D. Plus, you can take Vitamin D supplements. 
• Turmeric - It contains the active ingredient curcumin and is as effective at relieving pain as ibuprofen. It can be purchased as a supplement.

Enjoy a Massage

If you notice your arthritis acting up in conjunction with other signs you need a deep tissue massage, talk to your doctor about seeing an experienced massage therapist. Specialized massage therapists can work with your joint pain to improve it and ensure it does not worsen. Further, massages can improve your mood and help you relax.

Warm-Up or Cool Down Your Joints

Try ice or heat therapy to treat arthritis pain. If your joints are tight, use heat to relax the stiffness and your muscles. On the other hand, if your joints are swollen, you can use cold packs to calm the swelling and reduce pain.

Don't forget these five effective ways to reduce arthritis pain. Depending on what you do for a living, arthritis may kick in sooner than you expect. So keep your body in good shape by practicing these techniques before you feel the pang of joint pain.

Arthritis and Long-Term Care

In time, a person who has arthritis may require long-term health care. Unfortunately, health insurance and Medicare will not pay for most of the costs, so you should consider how to plan to address the high costs and family burdens that come with long-term care.

Mobility, or lack of mobility, is the biggest concern when an older person has arthritis. As a result, the person will need either physical hand-on assistance with their daily living activities or stand-by assistance. Either way, the costs of care are expensive. 

Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for this type of care in all settings, including at home. However, you must purchase a policy before you have significant health issues, ideally in your 40s or 50s.