According to the Arthritis Society, about 20 percent of adults have arthritis, and many of them are seniors. Women tend to be more susceptible to arthritis, although it can affect anyone. If you’re caring for an aging loved one living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another common form of this condition, here are six natural remedies that may provide relief.
1. Weight Management
Excess weight places added pressure on hips, knees, ankles, and other joints often affected by arthritis and can worsen pain and related symptoms. Being diligent about weight management can help seniors ease arthritis pain by reducing joint and soft tissue stress and minimizing further damage. Maintaining a healthy weight has a number of benefits for aging adults. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.2. Regular Exercise
Exercise is a natural remedy that’s highly adaptable to capabilities, which can make it beneficial for seniors with arthritis. It’s recommended that people with arthritis focus on forms of exercise that target muscles around joints and ones that gently increase joint flexibility and stability. While more strenuous forms of exercise should be avoided, seniors with arthritis are often able to benefit from:- Walking at a comfortable pace
- Low-impact workouts
- Water-based activities
- Yoga and other gentle, controlled disciplines
3. Inflammation-Fighting Foods
Eating healthy foods is another natural way for seniors to address arthritis. Sugary snacks and processed foods are best avoided. However, certain foods and spices have natural anti-inflammatory properties, and these items can be easily incorporated into your loved one’s diet. Some of these include:- Spinach and other leafy green veggies
- Blueberries, strawberries, and similar bright-colored fruits
- Whole grains and oily fish such as salmon
- Spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon
4. Hot & Cold Therapy
Heat, which can be applied with an electric blanket, warm bath, or moist heating pad, can control arthritis pain by boosting circulation around joints and easing stiffness. Cold, applied with either a cold pack or cooling gel, reduces inflammation within the affected area. Hot and cold therapy can be used by seniors when arthritis pain flares up.5. Massage Therapy
The main purpose of massage therapy is to stimulate tissues in a way that increases circulation and flexibility around joints affected by arthritis. More aggressive deep tissue massage should be avoided because of the possibility of increasing soreness, but seniors with arthritis may benefit from:- Swedish massage done with long, fluid strokes
- Hot stone massage that uses heat to release tension and promote relaxation
- Myofascial release techniques that target connective tissues around muscles
- A type of myofascial release called rolfing that promotes pain relief and relaxation and restores range of motion
- Trigger point massage that eases tension in areas already affected by arthritis
Acupuncture & Similar Alternative Options
Acupuncture is an ancient natural treatment that uses sterilized needles to restore balance to the body. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research cites research suggesting people with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, may experience pain relief after acupuncture sessions. Other alternative options considered natural remedies for arthritis include:- Herbal supplements (with doctor approval)
- Chiropractic care
- Magnet therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Deep breathing to promote relaxation and ease the stress that sometimes worsens arthritis pain