Arthritis is one of the common aging effects suffered by many, which is caused due to the degeneration of bones and cartilages. It is a painful condition generally observed in the major joints along with swelling and inflammation. Among a thousand types of arthritis, the most prevailing ones are gout, osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. The Rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe form of this disease that affects the muscles and tendons apart from the joints. The joints of shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, heels, wrists, fingers and elbow wear out as one progress towards aging. Sometimes unhealthy lifestyle and obesity also invites arthritis at an early age. Both men and women suffer from varying degrees of this disease; women being more prone to arthritis after menopause.

Symptoms

Common symptoms pointing towards Arthritis are

1. Moderate to severe pain in the joints.
2. Swelling and inflammation of joints.
3. Tenderness and stiffness in the joints restricting free movements.
4. Fever in case of Rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Formation of big toe in case of Gout.

Causes

1. Aging
2. Higher levels of uric acid in blood
3. Obesity
4. Fluctuations in the hormonal levels
5. Tenderness in the synovial joints

Home Remedies for Arthritis

Apart from the conventional treatment through the administration of high doses of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, home remedies provide an alternate treatment of arthritis which is no less effective than the drugs.

1. Raw potato juice gives wondrous results in treating arthritis. Thin slices of potato including the skin are soaked in a glass of water overnight, which should be drunk early in the morning with the sunrise.

2. Regular physical exercises improve the blood circulation and helps in strengthening the joints. It also keeps the body weight in control and prevents crippling of the limbs.

3. Hot Epsom salt baths are very useful for this treatment as the skin absorbs the salt and enhances blood circulation.

4. Reduced intake of protein, refined sugar and other processed foods is necessary in treating arthritis.

5. Drinking a cup of juice of carrot, beet root, celery and other leafy vegetables is a good home remedy for arthritis.

6. The herb Boswelia Serrata has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation.

7. The herb Angelica is enriched with anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and pain relieving constituents that is very effective in reducing the discomforts of arthritis.

8. Sea bathing and steam baths are very useful in arthritis treatment.

9. Rubbing the joints with castor oil is also beneficial in treating this disorder.

10. Massaging the painful joints with the essential oils of Juniper, sage, Rosemary, Thyme diluted with olive oil in the ratio of 1:10 provides instant relief to the pain.