What Causes Arthritis? Is It a Disease or Disorder? And, Natural Remedies to Help Arthritis Pain

Many of us are affected by arthritis, or know 
someone who is.  Arthritis is a condition of moderateMany people associate arthritis with athletes and other
to severe pain that affects the joints, but what exactlyphysically active people.  While it would make sense
is it that causes some people to get arthritis whilethat physical work would put more stress on joints and
others don’t? Many of us are affected byincrease the likelihood of arthritis, studies really
arthritis, or know someone who is.  Arthritis is ahaven’t shown this to be true.  While the risk
condition of moderate to severe pain that affects theof athletes developing arthritis is higher, this is
joints, but what exactly is it that causes some peopleassociated with their increased chance of joint injury. 
to get arthritis while others don’t?This means you can continue your daily exercise
The quick and easy answer as to what causesroutine (it will probably even help), but always take
arthritis is that we really don’t know yet. precautions to avoid injury.
There’s no one answer that explains everyWhen most people think of arthritis, they’re
case.  There’s no “arthritis disease” thatoften thinking of osteoarthritis.  However, rheumatoid
you catch like a cold that causes you to developarthritis is a less common but very serious illness. 
symptoms.  Arthritis is simply a joint disorder thatWhile symptoms can be similar the causes are not. 
develops with time.  In fact, there are over a hundredRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which
types of arthritis and many of them are probablymeans the body is actually attacking itself and causing
caused by different factors.damage to its own joints.  
What we do know is that there are some risk factorsWhile you can’t prevent arthritis or control all
that increase your chances or having a problem. these factors, you can take steps to reduce them,
While they may not be the root cause of your arthritis,keeping yourself pain free for longer. Here are some
they could definitely be helping to further the problemnatural remedies to help control your arthritis pain.
along.  Arthritis Hand Relief Bath
One of the biggest risk factors associated with arthritis* 2 drops Rosemary
is age.  You know that as you get older,* 2 drops Chamomile in Jojoba
there’s more wear and tear on your body. * 2 drops Juniper
Arthritis may not be caused specifically by wear and* 1ml Evening Primrose Oil
tear on the joints, but it will definitely speed up theAdd 4-6 drops of mixture to warm water and soak
process or increase symptoms.  That is why a largefor 15 minutes.
number of people over 65 have arthritis, regardless ofIf skin needs nourishment, mix the essential oils in 5ml
the other factors.Sweet Almond Oil before adding to water.
Another factor that can increase your chances ofFollow the hand bath with a soothing hand massage,
developing arthritis is weight.  If you are overweight,to nourish and protect the skin.
you’re going to increase the stress on yourCirculation and Painful Joints Bath
joints and will likely have more problems with arthritis. * 2 tbsp Almond oil
Starting a diet and exercise plan now may reduce* 2 drops each of Lemon grass oil, Coriander oil, and
symptoms or slow the progress of the disease.Clove oil
Joint injury is often a factor in developing arthritis.  JustMeasure Almond oil into a small bowl, Slowly add all
like all the other factors, it’s not a root cause;the oils. Mix ingredients and pour into running water.
however, you’re more likely to develop arthritisThis bath helps stimulate the Circulation and relive
in a joint that has had a previous injury.  If you dosuffering joints and muscles
injure yourself, be sure to care for it properly so itGentle Arthritis Bath
heals quickly and doesn’t get damaged again.* 15 drops Lavender
Doctors aren’t really sure how big a part* 5 drops Clary Sage
genetics plays into the development of arthritis, but* 10 drops Geranium
they do know it’s related.  If your parents have* 3 drops Ylang Ylang.
arthritis, it’s more likely that you will as well. Place oils in bath under running water.Warm is
Although this doesn’t mean that just becausesometimes better than hot.... Rinse thoroughly when
your parents had it, you will too.  By reducing thefinished.
likeliness from other causes, you can reduce your risk.