Arthritis is a condition caused by an inflammation of the tissues at the joints. The primary symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness of joints and in certain cases, swelling and redness that covers the respective joints. There are different kinds of arthritis, and specific symptoms will enable one to decipher the exact kind of arthritis that is being suffered.
The most common cause for arthritis is repeated movements that cause a degeneration of the tissue between the joints, obesity and a production of excessive levels of uric acid, responsible for the formation of urates that deposit themselves between the joints and cause inflammation. At times, the arthritic attack can get so severe that even the weight of a bed sheet over the affected area can cause excruciating pain.
Foods that are sour to taste and contain vinegar are known to aggravate arthritis and are therefore best avoided. Similarly, alcohol and certain kinds of meat should be avoided as they lead to the formation of uric acid in the blood stream. Drinking lots of water helps to reduce the formation of uric acid in the body which is a primary cause for arthritis. It is also recommended that a little exercise be undertaken on a daily basis to lose weight and relieve pressure that is placed on the joints. Proteins that are obtained through the consumption of vegetables are easily digested in comparison to those obtained from meat and therefore the intake of vegetables is recommended.
Since ice acts as an anti inflammatory agent, it is very effective in the treatment of arthritis. Besides this, it also numbs the area of sensitivity, thereby reducing the pain that is felt. Epsom salts are known to have beneficial effects on people suffering with arthritis, and soaking the body in a tub of warm water with Epsom salts is equally well recommended. The use of the herb called Devil’s Claw is also recommended when it comes to treating arthritis in people who do not suffer from diabetes. Thyme tea is widely used in the treatment of arthritis, as it has well known anti inflammatory properties. Apples are a recommended fruit that help in providing relief from arthritic pain. An excellent remedy for arthritis includes consumption of a glass of water in which sesame seeds have been allowed to soak overnight. The seeds and the water that they have been allowed to stand in will reduce inflammation and sensitivity of the affected joints.
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Arthritis is not a single disease, but a group of conditions that involve deterioration of the body's joints. The group includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, gout, and pseudogout. The most common type of arthritis however is osteoarthritis, involves the destruction of the cartilage in the affected joints, due to which movement becomes extremely painful. You have not mentioned what type of arthritis you are suffering from, so I assume that it is osteoarthritis.
Some forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis are caused by unknown factors, and are basically autoimmune diseases, in which the body's immune system malfunctions and starts destroying healthy, necessary cells. Osteoarthritis on the other hand occurs due to excessive wear and tear of the joint's cartilage, although in some cases the cartilage may be damaged by injury or infection.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but medications and certain lifestyle changes can certainly help ease the pain and live a relatively normal life. Among the most important areas you need to focus on is your diet - some foods seem to help in reducing pain, and in addition, it may be necessary for you to lose weight. Excessive body weight can speed up the deterioration of cartilage, and therefore it will help to slim down. In addition, exercising will help strengthen your muscles and thus take some of the strain off the joints. You should however avoid exercises that jolt or otherwise strain your joints, such as skipping. Instead, take up walking or swimming. You should try applying a warm compress before your work out, and a cold compress shortly after, in order to reduce pain and inflammation. At other times too, a warm or cold compress can be very effective.
Returning to the topic of your diet - you should of course avoid fatty foods, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, and eat several small meals instead of a few large meals. Omega 3 fatty acids are thought to help in controlling inflammation, and you should therefore eat fish and flaxseed on a regular basis. Antioxidants are known to provide pain relief and may also slow down the deterioration, so you should consume tea, soy, and olive oil regularly. Red wine is also known to contain antioxidants, but this of course should not be overdone. Finally, if the pain is really bad, you should not avoid visiting a doctor, and if you are prescribed medications, be sure to take them regularly.
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