Suffering from painful osteoarthritis in your knees? Numerous medicines and treatments abound for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness, swelling and inflammation, some having unwanted side effects, some being very expensive. Here are several home and folk remedies, herbs, supplements and foods you can use to help reduce your arthritis pain.
Step 1
Try tumeric for arthritis in the knees. The yellow spice is believed to relieve joint pain, stiffness and swelling and give you back your mobility. Herbal Remedies World reports that tumeric has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Known to offer pain relief for those suffering from arthritis, tendonitis and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, tumeric is available in capsules online and in health food stores. Recommended dose is 400 to 600 mg three times a day per HerbalRemediesWorld.com
Step 2
Use fish oils, high in omega-3 to treat the pain and swelling. ArthritisAlternative.com points out the positive effects of fish oils as an anti-inflammatory treatment. Significant symptom relief has been reported by rheumatoid arthritis patients who have included fish oil in their diets. Use pharmaceutical grade fish oils only, due to their being free from impurities. Fish oils used over the long term may offer tremendous health benefits lessening the need for arthritis pain medications.
Step 3
Drink organic apple cider vinegar to help alkalinize the system and relieve arthritis pain. Dr. Theodore A. Baroody in his book, "Alkalinze or Die," sings the praises of this ages-old folk remedy. Mix 1/2 tsp. of it in an 8 oz. glass of water and drink up to three times a day for pain relief. Add a teaspoon of raw honey if you don't like the taste.
Step 4
Take glucosamine and chondroitin for relief from pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis in the knees. These supplements, which are often sold together, are often made from animal products and glucosamine in particular comes from crushed shellfish, so those with allergies please use caution. Efficacy in reducing pain and tenderness and in increased mobility has been documented when used early on for osteoarthritis, notes the website Your Orthopaedic Connection.
Step 5
Drink tart cherry juice, which is high in potassium and a potent alkalinizing agent, reports Baroody. Two to three 8 oz. glasses of cherry juice mixed with water each day offers soothing relief of arthritis symptoms.
Step 6
Include a natural enzyme supplement in your diet. The effectiveness of the enzyme called bromelain, from pineapples, as a treatment for arthritis in the knees has been well documented in clinical trials, reports ArthritisAlternative.com. Bromelain is available in pill form from health food stores. Arthritisalternative.com mentions that it is best taken between meals on an empty stomach.
Tips and Warnings
- If one of the above treatments doesn't work as well as you would like, combine them for optimal results. Add in some gentle exercise to your daily routine to maintain flexibility.
- The information provided here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Tumeric
- Fish oils
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- Tart cherry juice
- Bromelain
References
- Arthritis Alternative.com
- Your Orthopaedic Connection
- "Alkalinize or Die," Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, Holographic Health Press, 1991
