Arthritis is a serious and painful disease but rarely fatal. Arthritis attacks the joints and the surrounding muscle and connective tissue causing swelling, inflammation and pain. Arthritis forms as a result of a broken bone that may have knitted itself back together but never fully healed, general wear and tear on the body or an autoimmune disease. While arthritis cannot be cured except through surgery, the pain and discomfort can be managed. Not all treatments work for all arthritis sufferers and some find a combination of treatments work effectively. Here are a few arthritis remedies you can try at home to help manage the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

Weight on the knee joints causes swelling and pain. An overweight person should consider weight loss. The extra pounds will put as much as 4 times the stress on your knee joints. Even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees relief. Losing as little as 11 pounds can improve joint health and lessen the risk of developing osteoarthritis by as much as 50 percent. You will also feel better too.

A change in diet can help reduce arthritis pain. Certain foods are linked to rheumatoid arthritis, especially those in the nightshade family of plants. Tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and peppers may cause allergic reactions and increase the discomfort of arthritis for some people. Experiment by removing these foods one at a time to see what makes your arthritis improve or worsen and then adjust your diet accordingly.

Studies show that vegetable oils, which contain omega-6 fatty acids, can aggravate arthritis symptoms. Experiment by eliminating or cutting back on your salad dressing, margarine, fried foods, olives, corn and canola oil. If any of those foods adversely affects your arthritis, remove them from your diet or consume them sparingly.

Research shows that rheumatoid arthritis is linked to a vitamin C deficiency. Taking a total dose of 500mg of vitamin C in small doses throughout the day will provide the vitamin necessary to minimize the effects of arthritis.

Juices high in inflammatory nutrients such as beta-carotene and copper should be included in diets of those with rheumatoid arthritis. Beta-carotene is found in parsley, broccoli and spinach and copper is found in carrots, apples and ginger. Pineapple juice is rich in the enzyme bromelain which has strong inflammatory properties.

Bathing in Epsom Salt, which contains magnesium sulfate, is very relaxing. The magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties and is absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important and essential minerals in the human body and most commonly deficient in the American diet. A New England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath in Epsom Salt. The heat of the bath increases blood circulation and reduces swelling as well as relaxes muscles.

Strength training will boost your metabolism and do wonders for your body as well. Lifting weights creates denser bones and builds stronger muscles which in turn helps protect your joints.

Consider adding a supplement to your health routine such as Glucosamine. It is made from the shells of crab, lobster and shrimp and has been shown to ease joint pain and stiffness. Some studies suggest it may contribute to cartilage repair.

There you have it. A few arthritis remedies proven to help arthritis sufferers. With some trial and error you will find the most beneficial and helpful to you.