- Arthritis pain could be soothed by following these steps, recommended by experts
- Pain and inflammation in joints may be reduced by exercising more regularly or making diet changes
- Arthritis pain treatment can help reduce pain and soothe joint issues
Arthritis pain affects around 10 million people in the UK, according to the NHS.
It can be caused by several different types of the condition, including osteoarthritis, which affects four fifths of sufferers, and rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks joints.
“Osteoarthritis most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older,” said the NHS online.
“It’s more common in women and people with a family history of the condition.”
Dr Dawn Harper, GP and Dr Sarah Brewer, said these three tips could help reduce arthritis pain.
Exercise
“It’s important to keep as active as you can to reduce arthritis pain,” said Dr Harper.
Exercises such as water aerobics can help ease arthritis pain, by improving strength and mobility in muscles and joints.
“Many people are afraid to exercise because they believe it damages their joints,” said Arthritis Research UK online.
“But keeping active will help to keep your joints moving easily and reduce pain.
“Your body is designed to move and not doing so can harm the tissues in and around your joints.”
Try these supplements
“Omega-3 supplements (especially if you don’t eat much oily fish) and glucosamine may also help,” said Dr Harper.
“Rub-in treatments such as glucosamine gel are popular,” continued Dr Brewer. “Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most popular as they stimulate the production of new joint tissues.
“The latest approach is to take cannabidiol (CBD) oil to relax muscles, reduce pain perception, lift mood and promote general wellbeing.”
Arthritis Research UK said: “As well as having a healthy, balanced diet, getting additional nutrients from food supplements may help if you have arthritis.”
Benefits of taking CBD oil can help treat pain as it has analgesic effects, meaning it acts to relieve pain.
Medication
As well as these methods, taking medication could also help relieve arthritis pain.
“Anti-inflammatory medication will help ease the pain,” said Dr Harper.
As well as the medication, supplements could also help.
Dr Brewer recommended trying Omega-3 fish oil, turmeric or Boswellia, a herbal extract from tree resin, as an “excellent” way to treat inflammation and reduce pain.
You could also reduce arthritis pain by eating foods such as broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage.