Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases. To relieve your joints and combat pain, which is often debilitating, there are natural treatments. Discover all the grandmother’s remedies to fight against osteoarthritis. We tell you everything about this cartilage degeneration: its causes, its symptoms and the solutions to counter it.
Summary
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is not an infection or inflammation, although some patients may suffer from inflammatory flare-ups. In reality, it is a cartilage degeneration joints, leading to its more or less rapid destruction.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. Generally, the first symptoms appear around the age of 45, even if the degeneration begins much earlier.
On the other hand, the disease is characterized by three lesions of anatomical origin:
- the articular cartilage affected cracks and burrows with holes. The bone may be left bare;
- the bone itself is affected and decalcifies, or condenses in places;
- on the edges of the joint, small bony growths are formed. We then speak of osteophytes (or « parrot’s beaks » because of their shape).
These lesions may be accompanied by synovitis, this is an inflammation of the envelope of the joint.
Read also >> Osteoarthritis of the knee: natural treatments
How do you get osteoarthritis?
Cartilage destruction is linked to mechanical phenomena. However, there are several risk factors:
- of a general nature such as age, weight, sex, menopause, presence of other rheumatism;
- Genetics: a family background favors the occurrence of osteoarthritis. There are families of osteoarthritis;
- premises with significant or repeated trauma such as work of force, violent sports, etc.
On the other hand, an anomaly in the position of the joint (scoliosis, for example) or other localized bone or joint diseases can explain the appearance of osteoarthritis.
Be aware that congenital joint anomalies can be detected in childhood and corrected to avoid the occurrence of painful osteoarthritis in adulthood.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Some symptoms are similar to all osteoarthritis, regardless of the joint involved. Among them, one mechanical pain associated with functional impairment. The pain starts and gets worse with movement. At rest, it lessens or ceases altogether. On the other hand, the pain increases during the day to reach its peak in the evening, going so far as to interfere with falling asleep.
Then, the functional impairment limits the mobility of the joint affected by the osteoarthritis. It varies according to the activity of the patient. Osteoarthritis joints can be swollen, especially in the knees. But, no redness or feeling of warmth are observed. Nevertheless, inflammatory flare-ups occur in some cases.
Finally, in the long term, bone growths cause joint deformities. They are most visible on the knees and hands. These lesions are irreversible and can lead to partial impotence. Of note, the patient does not suffer from fever or other ailments, and his general condition remains good.
What are the natural treatments for osteoarthritis?
Glucosamine and chondroitin
These two substances slow down the degradation of cartilage, especially when osteoarthritis begins. It is a basic treatment to be taken every day. Combine 1200 mg of chondroitin and 1500 mg of glucosamine, in two or three doses.
After a few weeks, the first effects are noticed. However, the cure is recommended for at least three months.
Take precautions if you suffer from allergies (shellfish).
The harpagophytum
This treatment called « devil’s claw » has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is effective in combating osteoarthritis of large joints such as the knee, shoulder or hip. Use harpagophytum to lessen attacks in terms of frequency and intensity.
Note, capsules of dry extract should be preferred to root powder. Take up to 4 grams a day, for 20 days. Be careful not to make this treatment interact with other medications such as antihypertensives.
wintergreen essential oil
This essential oil essentially consists of an analgesic and anti-inflammatory substance similar to aspirin. Dilute two drops of wintergreen essential oil in a teaspoon of neutral vegetable oil, then massage the affected area until it warms. The operation can be repeated twice a day, for a week.
Attention, HE is not used in pregnant women. On the other hand, caution in case of allergy. Test before the essential oil by depositing a drop at the level of the fold of the elbow.
be on the move
Mobilization of the joint slows down the process. Get moving by combining stretching with strengthening exercises. This helps maintain the muscles around the joints, and reduce painful contractures. Repeat the exercises several times a week, except in times of crisis. There, the joint must remain at rest.
At the cervical level, stretch the neck by tilting the head on each side. As for the knee, lie on your back, bend your leg and bring the knee towards you. During the exercise, hold your ankle with your hands. For the fingers, massage them each in turn, from bottom to top to stretch them without forcing.
Finally, cycling is recommended for arthritis of the hip. Moderate exercise is recommended except during excessively painful periods. This sporting activity presents less risk than walking because it wears less the cartilage of the hip, which supports the weight of the body.
Namely, for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, gymnastic movements are not recommended.
Nutrients good for osteoarthritis
There are nutrients that have degeneration benefits. Omega-3 fatty fish is one of them. Indeed, they have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidant vitamins and trace elements (copper, silicon, vitamin C, etc.).
Nettles
This grandmother’s remedy is effective in the fight against osteoarthritis, even if the mechanism is still unknown. Perhaps it is the presence of two neurotransmitters in the nettle that influence the perception of pain. It is enough to apply the prickly leaves on the hands for a week.
acupuncture
This method relieves arthritis pain in the hip and knee.
The heat
If you suffer from osteoarthritis, abuse heat in all its forms to relieve pain. This can be a hot bath or a hot wrap, for example.
Spa treatments
Spa treatments are recommended for people suffering from this degeneration. Some spas offer very hot baths. On the other hand, the swimming pool remains a good physical activity because the joint affected by osteoarthritis is relieved of the weight of the body.
