Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects many people, causing joint deterioration, pain, and discomfort. Whether it’s in the spine, knees, wrists, or other joints, osteoarthritis can significantly impact daily life.
The good news is that there are natural ways to relieve osteoarthritis pain and improve joint health.
Here are some practical tips to help you manage osteoarthritis effectively.
Address the Cause
When dealing with osteoarthritis, it’s essential to start by addressing the root cause of the joint deterioration.
For spinal osteoarthritis, seeking chiropractic care can be highly beneficial. Chiropractors can take X-rays to identify degenerated areas and determine why certain vertebrae are out of alignment or not moving properly. Correcting these misalignments can alleviate the pressure on the nerves and reduce pain.
For osteoarthritis in the lower extremities, such as the knees or hips, it’s crucial to consider your weight.
Did you know that every extra pound of weight you carry translates to four pounds of pressure on your knees? Therefore, managing your weight can significantly reduce the strain on your joints and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Correct Misalignments
Pelvic misalignment can also contribute to osteoarthritis, especially if you notice that one knee or foot is more affected than the other.
Misaligned hips can cause uneven wear and tear on your joints, leading to accelerated deterioration. Getting a proper x-ray to analyze the alignment of your hips can help identify if this is contributing to your joint pain.
Correcting these misalignments can help distribute the pressure more evenly across your joints, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Rehab and Exercise
Rehabilitation exercises are vital for managing osteoarthritis pain and improving joint function. Although it may seem counterintuitive, putting more motion into a worn-down joint is exactly what it needs. Optimizing blood flow to the affected area is crucial, and the best way to do this is through movement and exercise.
For upper extremity osteoarthritis, such as in the wrists or elbows, it’s important to consider the entire chain of command from your brain to your fingers. Issues in the neck, shoulders, or even the way you sleep can affect your joints.
I’ve put together a full video guide to stretches for each body part, including the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck. These exercises help reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility by targeting the muscles and tendons that support the joints.
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Nutrition plays a significant role in managing osteoarthritis.
Since osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet is essential. Anything you consume can either contribute to inflammation or help reduce it.
Reducing sugar and focusing on anti-inflammatory foods can make a significant difference.
Additionally, incorporating powerful natural anti-inflammatories like omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric into your diet can help reduce pain and inflammation.
1500 milligrams of high-quality omega-3s can provide the same pain-relieving effects as NSAIDs without the side effects. Combining omega-3s with turmeric can also greatly enhance these benefits.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the strain on your joints, especially those in the lower extremities.
Excess weight can exacerbate osteoarthritis symptoms and speed up joint deterioration. By managing your weight, you can significantly reduce the pressure on your knees, hips, and ankles, making it easier to manage osteoarthritis pain and improve joint function.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right approach, you can find relief and improve your quality of life.
Addressing the root causes of joint deterioration, correcting misalignments, incorporating rehabilitation exercises, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, and managing your weight are all effective strategies for managing osteoarthritis naturally.
For more detailed guidance and specific exercises, check out my YouTube Channel, which has hundreds of step-by-step guides to help you feel better. As well, my free Making Food Simple book can help you get off the cycle of crash diets, and start living healthier.
