Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, is the wear and tear breakdown of cartilage in a joint. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber in joints and prevents bones from rubbing against each other during movement. When cartilage is damaged, bones rub together and form bone spurs, or humps of bone. Bone spurs can rub against each other and cause pain and inflammation in the affected joint. Home remedies cannot cure osteoarthritis, but they can help manage symptoms.
Rest
According to MayoClinic.com, rest during time of pain or inflammation is the first step in treating osteoarthritis symptoms. A flare-up, or increased pain and inflammation, in an arthritic joint can develop during times of intense physical activity. This occurs because bone spurs in the joint are constantly rubbing against each other, which can cause significant symptoms. In this case, a patient should rest the joint, or take a break from excessive physical activity for 12 to 24 hours. During this time period, inflammation should decrease, which will result in an improvement in symptoms.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Ice and heat therapy can effectively treat symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Ice is effective because it causes blood vessels in the affected joint to shrink, which prevents swelling, or excessive fluid, from moving into the joint. Furthermore, ice numbs the affected joint, which may provide adequate pain relief. Heat can be effective in reducing joint stiffness that commonly occurs in patients with osteoarthritis. Ice should be applied after physical activity or during a flare-up. A patient should apply an ice pack, or a pack of frozen vegetables, to the affected joint for 20 minutes. Then, he should remove the ice pack for 20 minutes. This cycle can be repeated as often as necessary. Heat should be applied when the joint is stiff or cold. A heating pad or a hot water bottle can be applied to the stiff joint for 20 minutes several times a day as needed.
Capsaicin Cream
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that a patient apply capsaicin cream to the affected joint. Capsaicin cream is an over-the-counter topical cream derived from hot chili peppers. The chemical that makes chili peppers hot can reduce chemical signals in the arthritic joint that causes pain. A patient should apply the cream to the affected joint as directed on the drug label. Furthermore, she should be sure to wash her hands after handling the cream to prevent capsaicin cream from making contact with the eyes or other mucous membranes. Pain should improve over a three-to-seven-day period.
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