Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Its symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It is a debilitating disease that keeps us from functioning in a normal way. Unfortunately, the factors that cause the development of arthritis are still unknown. And while there are medications available to manage the symptoms, there are as yet no known cures for the condition.

The debilitating effects of arthritis have cause many patients to look beyond science and medicine for cures or for alternative ways of managing the pain. In the U.S. alone, approximately 40 million people are afflicted with arthritis. And many of them are exploring the benefits of natural arthritis remedies.

There are many natural arthritis remedies that are wildly available these days. These remedies help manage the joint pains without causing any side effects usually associated with drugs, and help you to function normally.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most popular natural arthritis remedies. Both are substances that naturally occur in the body. Glucosamine is used by the body to build cartilage, tendons and other tissues connecting the bones. Studies have shown that glucosamine not only reduces inflammation, but also rebuild connective tissues to prevent more damage. Chondroitin, on the other hand, helps in the formation of joint matrices and keep the cartilages from breaking down from the effects of harmful enzymes.

When it comes to medicinal plants and herbs, it is said that wild celery, ginger and turmeric extracts have good anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage affected joints. In addition, boswellia, which is more popularly known as boswellin or Indian frankincense, is another herb that has been found to have anti-arthritic indications.

Fish and seafood are also recommended for arthritic patients’ diets. The green-lipped mussel, in particular, has been found to contain a specific substance with anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical research has in fact proven its positive results in terms of relieving pain and improving the functioning of affected joints. Fish oils, are also highly recommended, especially with essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which promote the normal functioning of the body. Fish oils are also specifically indicated for reducing inflammation of the joints.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood also generally contain the natural nutrient called MSM or methylsulfonylmethane. MSM has anti-inflammatory properties that help the connective tissues to function properly, relieve pain associated with inflammation, and even boost the immune system.

Beyond medication, there are also other natural arthritis remedies that you can try to help you to relieve the pain from swelling joints, as well as ease other arthritic symptoms so that you can live a normal life. First of these other natural arthritis remedies, of course, is to change your lifestyle. For example, overweight patients can benefit from getting into an effective weight-loss program. A few pounds lost make a big difference on the burden that your joints have to support. Quitting smoking, is another positive lifestyle change that you can make.

Many patients swear by the benefits of heat therapy (also called thermotherapy) as one of the most effective natural arthritis remedies. Heat therapy is available in many forms, including hot packs or hot paraffin hand dips or hot foot spa treatments. They work by promoting blood circulation and easing pain in the clogged joints. On the contrary, cold therapy is another one of the most popular natural arthritis remedies available. Applying ice pack on aching joints help to reduce the swelling and numbs the tissues, thereby also reducing pain.

Finally, there are also a host of other therapies that count as natural arthritis remedies. Massage therapy, for example, helps to relax your body and to work up your blood vessels to promote blood circulation. When blood circulates smoothly, the pain is also reduced, and your overall stress levels likewise go down. It is best to find an effective therapist that you can work with for this. If you are a little more adventurous, you might also want to try acupuncture. The procedure is said to stimulate the body into releasing endorphins. These endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers. The body relaxes when endorphins are released, and the pain from aching joints is also reduced into tolerable levels.