Arthritis - Causes, Symptoms, Home & Herbal remedies and Arthritis Treatment in Ayurveda
What is Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It occurs in various forms, the most frequent is being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs in the older age-group affecting the knee joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease which affects not only the joints of the fingers, wrists, hips, knees and feet but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.
Arthritis Causes and Symptoms
The main symptoms of Osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. This pain usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the 'cooked food disease'. It usually develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet. Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees. Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammation of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by swelling and eventually leads to deformity. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock, and injury. Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease.
Home Remedies for Arthritis
1. Potato Juice
The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin and place the slices overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes.
2. Other Raw Juices
One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in equal proportions with carrot, celery and red beet juices is good for arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple juice is also valuable, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Sesame Seeds
A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water are kept overnight. It has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joints pain. The water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along with the seeds on empty in the morning.
4. Copper
Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container which accumulated the traces of copper. That strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.
5. Calcium
Studies have shown that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have discovered that joints pain have either been relieved or have disappeared entirely after taking calcium. This mineral should be taken in the form of calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing 400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times daily in water, before meals for at least four months.
6. Alfalfa
A tea made from the herb alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds may be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea should be taken daily by arthritis patient for at least two weeks.
Other Measures
The body should be kept warm at all times. Joints should not be bandaged tightly as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of blood. There should be plenty of indirect ventilation in the bedroom. Rest is advised when there is acute inflammation in the joints. Sea bathing has been found valuable in arthritis. The natural iodine in sea water is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well known, iodine regulates the acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues, helps to repair and regenerate, worn out tissues and nourishes the skeletal structure. It enters into the thyroid gland's secretion. The hormone uses the iodine to cleanse the internal toxins.
If sea bathing is not possible, the patient should relax for thirty minutes every night in a tub of warm water, in which a cup of common salt has been mixed. The minerals in the salt, especially iodine, will be absorbed through the pores of the skin. This will correct an internal imbalance.
FAQs on Arthritis
1. How long can you live with arthritis? Can arthritis shorten your life?
It depends upon the number of factors. In some patients it can be shortened by 10 years to as many as 15 years. But it is almost impossible to predict the exact lifespan due to the varying nature of arthritis. It is not a fatal diseases but complication of arthritis may shorten the life span of a patient.
2. Will arthritis ever go away?
Yes, but it will take a few months to a year. But this is usually a remission, not cure. In modern medicine cure is not possible yet but in alternative systems of medicines like Ayurveda permanent relief can be obtained.
3. How do you make arthritis pain go away?
- Do regular exercise
- Eat a properly balanced diet
- Improve posture
- Alternate hot and cold therapy
- Have control over weight
- Avoid repetitive movements of body.
- Take Vit D supplements.
4. What is the most painful type of arthritis?
Gout is the most painful type of arthritis. In this disease, uric acid crystals cause inflammation in the joints which lead to redness, swelling, stiffness, and pain. It mostly occur in large joint of big toe, but it can affects other joints too.
5. What happens if you don't treat arthritis? / What will happen if arthritis is left untreated?
If arthritis is left untreated or if the treatment is not effective then it can lead to permanent joint deformity and damage. It can also affect heart and inflammation caused can cause heart diseases.
6. Is banana not good for arthritis?
Yes, banana is good for arthritis as it contains potassium as well as vitamin B6 which combat arthritis.
7. What foods make arthritis worse?
- Foods rich in fat content
- Citrus fruits
- White flour
- Tomato, potato, peas, and brinjal
- Red meat
- Carbonates drinks and Caffeine-containing products
- Avoid omega 6 fatty acid
- Avoid alcohol and fast food
8. Is hot or cold better for arthritis?
Both hot and cold therapy is better for arthritis. These therapies increase the range of motion. When there is burning sensation in arthritis, treat with cold therapy (ice packs). It reduces inflammation which is the major cause of arthritis. Heat therapy is best for stiffness and pain in joints. Heating pads and warm baths are beneficial.
9. What is the most effective painkiller for arthritis? / What is the best pain reliever for severe arthritis?
- Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is the natural anti-arthritic herb and is an effective painkiller for arthritis.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) possesses anti-inflammatory property that reduces the pain as well as inflammation associated with joints.
10. Are tomatoes bad for arthritis?
Yes, tomatoes are bad for arthritis because it aggravates the inflammation of joints.
11. Can arthritis be cured?
Yes, arthritis can be cured. It is curable by Ayurvedic medicines because these medicines are prepared from natural and effective herbs that fix the root cause of arthritis. It balances the vata doshas as well as removes ama doshas from the body.
12. Can arthritis be deadly?
No, it is not deadly but its complications can shorten the lifespan by 10 to 15 years.
13. Are eggs good for arthritis?
Yes, eggs are good for arthritis because it reduces the morning stiffness associated with arthritis.
14. Is apple cider vinegar good for arthritis?
Yes, Apple cider vinegar is good and has been used for treating arthritis since long time. It helps to relieve inflammation and its associated symptoms. It is filled with antioxidants which helps to prevent cell and tissue damage in arthritis.
15. Is massage good for arthritis?
Yes, massage is good for arthritis because it promotes the sleep that relieves pain in muscles and joints. Massage reduces the pain and stiffness of joints, eases anxiety and also improves the motions of joints.
16. Do heating pads help arthritis?
Yes, heating pads increase the blood circulation which in turn reduces pain and inflammation of joints. It is cheap as well as effective in nature. It removes stiffness of joints.
17. Does heat make arthritis worse?
Yes, heat makes arthritis worse. It alters the level of fluid resulting in pain as well as inflammation and increases the stiffness in muscles and tendons. Arthritis get worsen in warm and humid weather.
18. What is the best vitamin for arthritis?
Vitamin D is best for arthritis. Other vitamins like C &E are also effective.
19. Does coffee make arthritis worse?
Yes, coffee makes arthritis worse because it contains caffeine that increases the risk of inflammation and increases the risk of developing rheumatoid factor.
20. How can I slow down arthritis naturally? / How can I reduce arthritis inflammation? / How can I treat arthritis naturally?
- Do exercise regularly
- Improve the posture
- Avoid carbonated drinks and caffeine-containing products
- Eat a properly balanced diet
- Eat soaked sesame seeds daily
- Consume 3 to 4 cups of alfalfa tea daily
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
21. What fruit is good for arthritis?
All fruits are good for arthritis except citrus fruits. You can take fruits specifically like strawberries, red raspberries, avocado, watermelon and grapes.
22. Is peanut butter good for arthritis?
Yes, peanut butter is good for arthritis because it is rich in protein dietary fiber, and unsaturated fats that build up the connective tissue.
23. How much turmeric should I take for arthritis?
For Rheumatoid Arthritis: 0.5 gm. daily. For Osteoarthritis: 0.5 gm. to 1 gm. per day.
24. Is walking work for arthritis?
Yes, walking is good for arthritis because it increases flexibility, reduces pain and stiffness. It makes possible the wide range of motions.
25. Can arthritis be cured permanently?
Yes, arthritis can be cured permanently. It is curable by Ayurvedic medicines that are prepared from effective Ayurvedic herbs.
26. What exercise is good for arthritis?
- Moderate intensity aerobic exercise
- A range of motion exercises
- Other activities like morning and evening walk
- Yoga
- Cycling
27. How dangerous is arthritis?
If arthritis is left untreated then it can cause severe damage to the bones and cartilages leads to joint damage. It also leads to heart diseases.
28. Why is arthritis so painful?
Arthritis is so painful because it is caused by inflammation that causes redness and swelling in the joints. There is wear and tear of the tissues leading to painful condition in arthritis.
29. Is Ginger good for arthritis?
Yes, ginger is good for arthritis because it possesses anti-inflammatory property which reduces the pain and inflammation and improves the functioning of the joints.
30. Is Apple good for arthritis?
Yes, Apple is good for arthritis because it has an antioxidant property and helps in combating arthritis.
