1. Simple Heat
Heat is an all-purpose and age-old remedy for all types of musculoskeletal pain. Soaking in a hot bathtub -- or, better yet, an Epsom Salt soak -- can be comforting. Use a heating pad while resting. Make a moist heat pack by heating a wet towel inside an open zip-lock bag and heat in the microwave for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove with oven mitts, seal the bag, and wrap in one or two dry towels to create a comfortable temperature to place against the body. Paraffin baths have historically been used to coat the hands in a thick glove of wax, providing long-lasting heat that penetrates deep into the body. The use of alternating hot and cold may be comforting to some. Prepare two large tubs of water -- one hot and one cold. Submerge the hand, foot or other body part into the hot tub for 10 to 15 minutes, then into the cold for two or three minutes. Repeat the process, going from hot to cold three or more times. This method of hydrotherapy increases circulation to the joint and helps relieve pain.
2. Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring sugar-amino acid molecule that can actually help repair and regenerate connective tissue, cartilage and bone. It is not as fast or flashy as a pain reliever, but over half of those with osteoarthritis find that it reduces pain little by little over time. Better than pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories, Glucosamine reduces pain not by suppressing the inflammatory action, but via the superior action of promoting the regeneration of joint tissue. It should be taken for at least three months, whereupon you can assess its efficacy. Because it contains sulfur, it occasionally causes gassiness and an upset digestive system, so take it in small doses.
3. Capsicum Ointments
Cayenne peppers (Capsicum) contain resins, which, when used topically on the skin, cause the nerve endings to release a certain type of neurotransmittor, creating the sensation of heat. As the nerve endings become depleted of this neurotransmittor, pain signals are temporarily unable to be transmitted, and the bodily sensation becomes one of heat rather than pain. Unfortunately, this is not a rebuilding, restorative therapy like the glucosamine. Cayenne ointments provide temporary pain relief only, but if this can help reduce the need for harmful pain-relieving drugs, it is a valuable addition to the treatment plan for osteoarthritis.
