Many patients simply take medications for their osteoarthritis symptoms, but these can lead to side effects, especially if you take other medications for other ailments.
Therefore, to avoid complications and side effects, utilizing natural remedies is a good option
Are Osteoarthritis Pain Relief Drugs Raising Heart Attack Risk?
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of the disease, where the joint cartilage and underlying bone start to degenerate from wear and tear. It’s most common in the knees, hips, and thumbs, and usually starts at middle-age and onward – sooner for athletes and people with physically demanding jobs.
You’re Not Alone When It Comes to Arthritis Pain
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 27 million adults have osteoarthritis. For many, the disease becomes a cycle of fear, pain, and limited mobility, heightened by worry over the risks of medication.
I’m not talking about the prescribed heavy-duty medication alone, but over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, and naproxen. The problem is this class of medication has side effects, especially for people who have risk factors. Those risk factors include being elderly, having high blood pressure, ulcers, having had a heart attack, or taking certain other medications. Taking two at the same time just increases the risk of side effects.
The researchers found that three-quarters of study participants used more than one treatment to handle the pain and stiffness. Almost half complained of side effects from their medication and about nine in 10 were concerned about the complications.
We need to keep in mind that over-the-counter drugs are potent medications requiring careful and frequent monitoring if used long term. One of the study sponsors, Lloyds Pharmacy, Britain’s largest pharmacy chain, is offering a pain service where people can get advice from a pharmacist about how they can manage their pain – not just with medication but also through lifestyle changes.
Natural Osteoarthritis Pain Management Can Work for You
My advice is to give these natural pain-relievers a try. Everyone is different, but they could help you avoid the risk of medication side-effects.
This traditional Chinese treatment uses very fine, almost thread-like needles inserted in specific points in the skin. Acupuncture can relieve pain by redirecting the pain signals that are sent to your brain from damaged tissue (from arthritis, for example) and stimulating your body’s own pain-relieving hormones. Traditional practitioners say the treatment helps remove energy blockages so your body’s energy or “qi” (chi) can flow properly through the body for self-healing.
Fish Oil:
Are you eating enough fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring, trout, and salmon? Fish oil has been linked to brain and heart health. It’s also associated with managing arthritis pain and inflammation. That’s because digested fish oil breaks down into hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins, which can help reduce inflammation.
Cod Liver Oil Study: Reducing NSAIDs Did Not Worsen Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
A Scottish study, published in the journal Rheumatology, tracked the health of almost 100 rheumatoid arthritis patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Half of the patients were given 10g of cod liver oil, the equivalent of two teaspoons, to take with their daily dose of painkillers, while half were given placebo capsules. Three months in, participants were asked to try to reduce their reliance on NSAIDs. Six months later, 39 percent of those in the cod liver oil group had cut their painkillers by more than a third. Those volunteers who cut down on their NSAIDs did not find their symptoms worsened as a result.
Hot Peppers:
Chili peppers, cayenne peppers, and Tabasco peppers all contain a fiery compound called capsaicin, a noted pain-reliever found in many topical ointments. Cook with these beauties for a bit of heat in soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Capsaicin Studies Show Effectiveness of This Natural Pain Relief for Osteoarthritis
A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia reported daily application of low-concentration capsaicin formulations is supported by meta-analyses of numerous studies. Researchers tested a high-concentration capsaicin 8 percent patch (Qutenza™), approved in the EU and U.S. in 2011.
They found a single 60-minute application in patients with neuropathic pain, for people who’ve experienced shingles, produced effective pain relief for up to 12 weeks. While I’m not suggesting this patch for arthritis pain, it shows the power of capsaicin to help manage pain.
Cherries:
Consider this tasty fruit almost as effective as ibuprofen. They are packed with pain-fighting anthocyanosides. Generations have long-touted the benefits of cherries to keep painful osteoarthritis flares in check. Now there’s a growing body of science behind them.
Cherry Studies for Natural Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
In a pilot study at the Baylor Research Institute in Dallas, Texas, more than half of 20 participants reported less pain and better function after taking one cherry pill (containing 100 mg of anthocyanosides) a day for eight weeks. About three ounces of pitted dark cherries have from 80 to 300 mg of anthocyanosides. So how many cherries do you need to consume?
In Baylor’s follow-up study, when participants took two cherry pills a day, the pills performed no better than a placebo. But why not give it a try? A handful of cherries, especially a tart variety, a glass of pure cherry juice or cherry extract in water every day could make a difference.
Almonds:
I’ve been a raw almond fan for years. They’re a magic bullet for good skin and hair, but it’s more than my vanity talking. Almonds are packed with salicylates, a natural version of the ingredient in painkillers like aspirin.
However, like all nuts, almonds are high in fat (the good kind) and calories, so go with no more than a small handful a day.
Gin-Soaked Raisins:
Now here’s a cure you might really enjoy after the dinner hour! Raisins soaked in juniper berry gin. In England, during the Middle Ages, clusters of juniper berries were used to counter the smell of the deceased during the plague. The gin reportedly extracts many of the healthy compounds in the raisins – resveratrol, catechins, potassium and vitamin C – making them more readily absorbed when you eat the raisins.
Cold and Hot Compresses:
Cold and hot compresses can temporarily relieve stiffness and pain. Compresses may even reduce muscle spasms from occurring around the joint. You can easily make your own compress by wetting a towel with cold water or heating a towel in the microwave for heat.
Massage Therapy:
Massage therapy is a great way to relieve muscle tension which can occur in osteoarthritis. Massages also boost circulation in the body which can help to reduce inflammation. Ensure you are receiving massages from a trained individual as to avoid further complications and get the most benefits out of your massage.
Yoga:
You may not think yoga would be wise if you have osteoarthritis but studies have shown that patients who engage in yoga experience less stiffness, pain during activity, joint tenderness, and an increase in range in motion. Furthermore, yoga can be performed at any level and it is gentle on the joints meaning regardless of your fitness level or abilities yoga can still be modified so you can properly perform it.
Given the risks associated with prescription and over-the-counter painkillers, safety should be a priority. These natural methods may be the solution you’ve been after. They’re definitely worth considering. I know my hands are better for going the natural route, and I plan to be on my keyboard for many years to come.
Also read:
- Osteoarthritis of the hip (hip arthritis) causes pain and may be invisible on x-ray
- Osteoarthritis knee pain relief at home: Easy tips and natural remedies