| Arthritis affects 46 millions of Americans and, with | | | | that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like deep-sea fish, |
| baby boomers aging, the number of sufferers is | | | | flaxseed, brightly colored fruits, dark-green leafy |
| expected to rise 67 million by the year 2030. Obviously, | | | | vegetables, and olive oil. Remember that nutritionists |
| arthritis remains the nation's leading cause of disability in | | | | now advise eating these same foods to improve |
| those over age 15. And until recently, researchers | | | | overall health. |
| viewed arthritis mainly because of wear and tear on | | | | 2. Take safe supplements. Recent study indicates that |
| the joints that caused little by a gradual loss of | | | | the use of ginger, glucosamine and chondroiton sulfate |
| cartilage, the smooth layer of connective tissue that | | | | may be helpful for moderate to severe arthritis. In fact, |
| enables our bones to absorb the shock of joint motion | | | | ginger has been used in India for centuries as |
| and to move easily and without pain. | | | | treatment for knee pain. Talk to your physician for |
| However what is it that makes us lose cartilage? | | | | specific suggestions. |
| Accidents and injuries are one factor, but they are the | | | | 3. Use Your Body. Some sufferers of arthritis are |
| cause of a relatively small proportion of all cases of | | | | afraid that exercise can hurt them. However what |
| osteoarthritis. One of the main reasons, in fact, is | | | | they don't know is that simple exercises are needed |
| inflammation - its link with osteoarthritis- and to pain in | | | | for proper functioning of joint. To start with, stretch the |
| general- was found only recently in scientific studies. | | | | affected joint and if you arthritis joint can manage it, |
| Ironically, inflammation is a self-protective process that | | | | walking just 20 to 30 minutes a day can avoid further |
| happens when you are getting hurt. Inflammation has | | | | deterioration. |
| many positive effects such as increasing blood supply | | | | 4. Breathe Slowly and Properly. Proper breathing in a |
| to an injured area. But what we really don't know is | | | | slow, controlled rhythm is the quickest joint pain relief. |
| that this protective reaction can backfire on us. | | | | Any mild form of stretching with controlled breathing |
| Sometimes inflammation continues long after it is | | | | like yoga or tai chi also can alleviate arthritis pain. |
| needed, leading to greater pain and further loss of | | | | 5. Try Massage and Acupuncture. Because |
| cartilage in joints. | | | | mainstream medicine has not provided enough |
| Injuries aren't the sole triggers of inflammation. In fact, | | | | treatment for arthritis short of drugs and surgery, a lot |
| poor diet and lack of exercise also play a part. But one | | | | of arthritis sufferers have turned to natural remedies |
| of the keys to reducing the pain of the arthritis of the | | | | for arthritis such as massage and acupuncture. |
| knee is stopping unwanted inflammation. While there is | | | | Generally, massage therapy has been shown to be |
| no treatment for arthritis at present, you can do a few | | | | beneficial for arthritis of the spine and hip, and |
| things to slow its progression and alleviate the pain. | | | | acupuncture has yielded promising results for arthritis |
| The following noninvasive cures can provide relief to | | | | of the knee in clinical trials. |
| most arthritis sufferers. | | | | 6. Other Arthritis Treatments. For those whose knee |
| 1. Watch Your Diet. Eat foods that reduce | | | | pain continues even after adopting these lifestyle |
| inflammation, and get away from those that cause it. | | | | changes, a spray such as Brazilian Heat may provide |
| Red meat and high-fructose corn syrup both are | | | | instant relief. This spray helped relieve knee pain by |
| packed with omega-6 fatty acids, which are likely to | | | | turning off the knee pain nerves. |
| promote inflammation. Processed sugars and fatty | | | | Meanwhile, eating a sound anti-inflammatory diet, taking |
| foods also are prime culprits in America's epidemic of | | | | safe supplements for arthritis, and following a sensible |
| overweight and obesity, which are factors in arthritis. | | | | exercise routine while keeping your body weight in |
| Extra weight places further stress on the spine, hip, | | | | check will help you avoid many of the side effects of |
| and knee joints and exacerbates any inflammation | | | | arthritis. |
| there. To reduce inflammation, consume more foods | | | | |