What are Some Home Remedies for Arthritis?

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The simplest home remedies for arthritis are applications of cold packs and hot packs to reduce pain and inflammation. Cold packs, like ice, frozen peas if you’re icing a joint peculiar in shape, or store made packs that can be frozen should be applied for 10-15 minutes three to four times a day. Many patients find more relief when they combine hot and cold therapy. After using a cold pack, applying a heating pad for the same period of time can further reduce pain.

Gentle stretching with exercise arts like tai chi or gentle yoga may also be helpful in providing reduction in arthritis pain. People who have the condition may be given range of motion exercises to do anyway, but tai chi and certain yoga poses are also known home remedies for arthritis. Just check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan, and be sure to either purchase a tape specifically for arthritis sufferers or speak with your class instructor about your arthritic condition.

There’s also been some research on the value of taking omega-3 fatty acids as one of the home remedies for arthritis. This has been shown to reduce joint inflammation, and for most people the supplement is safe and effective, also promoting heart health. Do not use this treatment if you suffer from heart arrhythmias since omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to causing more severe and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias in people who already suffer from them.

Capsaicin cream, made from a chemical derived from peppers, is a proven relief method for arthritis sufferers. Some also find they have better joint mobility and less pain if they take supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Others find these supplements don’t help, but they are worth trying, especially when approved by your physician.

If you live in an area with high humidity, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier, since moisture in the air often makes arthritic conditions worse. There are many models to choose one, and you may require more than one if your home is very large. You might try borrowing one from a friend for a few days and using it in your bedroom at night to see if using one helps with arthritic conditions.