If you suffer from arthritis, you understand the chronic swollen joints, the vice like pain and the excruciating throbbing that you have to endure. A classic autoimmune disease, arthritis varies in its severity and can appear in cycles. You may have periods in your life being nearly pain-free. At other times, you can feel like you are in the depths of despair.
One of the burdens of arthritis is the fact that it is so debilitating. You may find yourself out of work for long periods at any one time, and you may be unsure of the benefits that you can legally claim. You could chat to a professional like David Chermol who specializes in disability benefits. He can also advise you on ways to ease your financial worries.
As a sufferer of arthritis, you should be under the care of a medical professional and be taking the most appropriate medication for your condition. However, there are natural ways that may relieve your condition and could be worth a try.
Lose Weight
Having a high ratio of body fat can put undue pressure on your joints, increasing the pain you feel when you are enduring an arthritic episode. By maintaining a healthy diet complete with a variety of fruit and vegetables, plenty of oily fish for good fats and whole grain alternatives to more refined foods, you will be shedding the pounds and reducing the stress on your knees, hips, and ankles.
As well as a healthy diet, it pays to try some gentle exercise. Although you may find a run or a jaunt on the rowing machine too painful, a relaxing stroll may be manageable. You could also give yoga a try. You may not be able to do a downward dog, but you could try out the less strenuous poses, learn to control your breathing and develop relaxation techniques. Being outdoors or heading to the gym can help boost your self-esteem and release endorphins into your bloodstream promoting positive thinking.
Acupuncture for Arthritis
Once thought of as nothing more than quackery, acupuncture is now one of the most revered complementary medicines available and has been scientifically proven to help a wealth of conditions. By using thin hair needles on certain points of your body, certified practitioners can restore balance to your body, relieving the symptoms of arthritis.
Turmeric for Arthritis
This yellowy orange Indian spice is thought of as a modern superfood. Containing the chemical curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be added to your meals to try and counteract your arthritic pain. There is certainly no harm in giving this alternative treatment a go.
Arthritis can prevent you working, enjoying laughs with friends and can keep you confined inside the four walls of your home. Your mental health may take a hit, and you could find yourself becoming withdrawn from your social circle. Although arthritis is an incurable condition, there are many alternative treatment options to try. You never know, one of them may be highly effective and see a dramatic reduction in your pain.
