Natural Treatments For Arthritis Sufferers

In the fight against the painful conditions brought on by arthritis there is a wide range of alternative and natural treatments that have come to the fore. These treatments are quite often used in conjunction with traditional therapies. Because the results vary and because there is sometimes a reluctance on the part of the medical community to recognize their effectiveness it is often left to each individual to research and seek to verify the validity of the results that may be claimed.

Keep in mind that there are strict regulations in place with regard to the claims that any treatment can make. Many promises are not backed up with scientific proof and there is a need to proceed cautiously. Because this disease can go into remission on its own for certain lengths of time there can be uncertainty as to the cause. Be sure to respect the therapeutic program and medications that you have worked out with your doctor.

Of valid concern as well is the need to coordinate with your doctor anything that could interact badly with the traditional medications that you may be taking. It is important to not take for granted that just because something is 'natural' that it could not cause any bad reaction.

Some tried therapies include: acupuncture, herbal and naturopathic medicine, homeopathy and massage therapy. Another - Ayurveda is a Hindu/Indian health based system and philosophy. These approaches take a holistic approach treating the whole person and endeavoring to correct any imbalance in their bodies. This is to effect an improvement in the body's ability to heal itself.

While conventional medicine has long taken a skeptical stance this is slowly changing. Some doctors and hospitals are now incorporating a blend of conventional and alternative. So whereas, a few years back, your doctor may have dismissed these treatments, he may now be more open to them. It still is the wisest course to coordinate your efforts with his.

Does diet and food affect arthritis? This is a hotly disputed question. Science has been slow to agree but everyone is unique and the possibility does exist which seems provable by personal testimonials that there is a definite connection. Science seems to find that the idea that some people do have allergic reactions to some foods - that these reactions could be felt in their joints.

Some evidence seems to find that fasting for short periods can help in that it works to suppress the immune system thus reducing the inflammatory activity for certain types of arthritis. But eating again can cause them to flare up. Some have suggested that following a fast with a vegetarian diet seems to help those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. However this should be supervised by a doctor or nutritionist that can see that you get a balanced diet. And keep in mind that this does not replace taking medications.

Beside good old fashioned exercise and weight control other non-standard therapies include: hypnosis and visualization, biofeedback, laughter, various gels and creams, the application of heat and cold, and a variety of vitamins and minerals that can also work to improve conditions in the body overall.

There is no end to the number of treatments and promises made. It may be difficult to navigate it all. Try to keep a sound, common sense approach and always try to work in conjunction with your health care professionals.

Arthritis - Living a Quality Life

Living with the constant pain of arthritis is a great challenge. No one can fully appreciate what you are going through. Even people who share a similar disease are unique in their circumstances and the pain they feel. So while others that love and care for you may be interested in supporting you in every way possible, it will ultimately be up to you to take control of, and manage, your own plan for maintaining a high quality of living and achieving an over all sense of well being.

This means thoughtfully considering all the avenues open to you to treat your type of arthritis and figuring out a plan of action that works for you. One that will not only get you relief from the pain and perhaps improvement in your health, but will also help you find the positive productivity you look for in life.

So right from the start you will need to play an interested and active role in your treatment. This begins by gaining as much knowledge about your type of arthritis as you can. Understanding what is exactly happening in your body will help you learn to fight the disease and its symptoms successfully. This is important given that your energy and other resources may be limited - you will need to make effective use of them.

In talking with your doctor or any health care professional be prepared to ask questions. Find out how the medications will interact with your body. What kind of progress can you reasonably expect to see? What kind of side effects are there? Are there additional treatments that might help mitigate side affects? (As an example some skin problems may need creams.) Every bit of information becomes part of your arsenal against arthritis.

Exercise should form part of your plan. Work out with a doctor or rheumatologist the type of exercise that will not hurt your joints but will rather help build your strength. Proper exercise can lift your spirits and improve the overall well being of your body with improved flexibility and circulation.

Be ready to communicate with others what your needs and limitations are. Some people are hesitant to speak to someone else about their problems or expectations. But by being matter-of-fact and straightforward you help others to know how to help you. You make them part of your team for better health. This will also help to prevent you from feeling frustrated and maybe a little isolated in your pain. Once others understand your circumstances it frees up some of the stress that is natural when you make this difficult adjustment in your life.

Remember to take a look around your home for ways to make things easier and alleviate pain. This might mean placing support bars in the bathroom for lifting. Or installing tubs that allow you to enter through a small door instead of having to step over the rim. Maybe there's a more comfortable style of bed or chair that will help you to rest and get up easier. Perhaps there's more user friendly tools for the kitchen or your work that can be researched on line.

And ultimately it is important to find fulfilling activities that occupy your heart and mind in a positive way. There is much to be said for seeking out positive companions and input that does so much to keep one focused on things other than the pain. All of these suggestions can help toward gaining and keeping a high quality of life despite this difficult disease.
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