Arthritis: nine ways to get pain relief in the knee, hip and hands

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the NHS.  Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of a joint, and severe

loss of cartilage can lead to one rubbing on bone.  Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system targets affected joints, leading to pain and swelling.  Still it is important

to have an accurate diagnosis, common symptoms include joint pain, tenderness and stiffness, restricted movement of joints, weakness and muscle wasting.  There is no cure, but medicines such

as painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids are often prescribed.  But with some medications causing side effects, a natural approach is becoming more popular.

  If you’re looking for a natural way to ease the pain, there are options recommended by health experts to offer relief.  Healthline suggests nine natural remedies - but remember to consult

your doctor first.  LOSE WEIGHT  Being overweight can put more pressure on your joints, so try shedding the pounds to see improvement to your mobility, a decrease in pain and to prevent

future damage to your joints.  GET MORE EXERCISE  As well as helping with weight loss, exercise can help keep your joints flexible. Weight exercises or running can damage joints, but

low-impact exercises such as water aerobics or swimming are recommended.  HOT AND COLD THERAPY  If you’re looking for some quick pain relief, opt for a warm shower or bath - particularly in

the morning - to loosen up joints. An electric blanket or moist heating pad at night can also help ease stiffness in joints.  Also try cold treatments such as a gel ice pack or bag of frozen

vegetables in a towel and apply these to painful joints.  ACUPUNCTURE  Acupuncture is a form of alternative treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine where thin needles are inserted

into specific parts of the body.  It’s believed to reroute energies and restore balance in the body, as well as reduce arthritis pain.  MEDITATION  According to the National Institutes of

Health, studies have found the practice of mindfulness meditation helpful for some people with painful joints. When stress is reduced, inflammation, swelling and pain drop.  OMEGA-3  This

fatty acids are believed to help arthritis - fish oil supplements, which are high in omega-3s, have been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain.  TURMERIC  The yellow spice contains a

chemical called curcumin that may help reduce arthritis pain.  The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that turmeric given to lab rats reduced inflammation in

their joints.  MASSAGES  The Arthritis Foundation says regular massaging of arthritic joints can help reduce pain and stiffness and improve your range of motion. Check with your doctor for a

recommendation.  HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS  Many herbal supplements on the market claim to be able to reduce joint pain including stinging nettle and devil’s claw.  But always talk to your doctor

before trying a new supplement to avoid side effects or any dangers.  Can apple cider vinegar, which has been proven to aid weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart

disease, help arthritis too?