Arthritis is a painful condition of the joints. There are different types of the disease - many inflammatory and others more degenerative in nature. Arthritis may be preceded or accompanied by a period of fatigue and a feeling of weakness.
Pain in the joints almost always begins in the hands, especially in the knuckles, and often in both hands simultaneously - as in the case of one of the commonest types called rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can affect all joints in the body, and it is impossible to predict which or how many joints will be attacked.
I am aware of many arthritis suffers out there and I know that particularly in cold weather it becomes more difficult to cope with.
Conventional treatment is safe and effective for most people but drugs and surgery cannot fully control the symptoms of arthritis. A recent Department of Health study found that the commonest complaints taken to complementary practitioners were problems with persistent pain. This is a problem which conventional medicine finds difficult to manage.
I have gathered together some tried and tested therapies and advice to help any suffers out there;
-Diet - A good diet is essential for healthy living. Carefully planned diets do help some people with arthritis. Although a dramatic improvement is unlikely, some people find that changing their diet allows them to reduce the conventional medication they are using.
One recent discovery is that certain kinds of oil in the diet help some people with arthritis. These oils contain essential fatty acids (EFAs). Essential means that the body cannot make them for itself, and must get them from food, or food supplements.
-Omega-3 is found mostly in oily fish (such as kippers, pilchards, sardines, mackerel and salmon) and in some plant seed oils and nuts.
-Omega-6 comes mostly from plant seed oils like evening primrose oil or sunflower oil.
-Massage - can reduce your anxiety and stress levels, relieve muscular tension and fatigue, improve circulation and thus reduce pain levels. It is generally very safe and relaxing, but a trained massage therapist will always follow strict guidelines to avoid endangering patients.
-Reflexology - is a treatment which applies pressure to different parts of the body to promote health and well-being. Every part of the body is connected by 'reflex zones' or 'pathways' which terminate in the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, ears, tongue and head. Gentle pressure is thought to help 'detoxification' and promote healing. It can be very relaxing, and diminish pain.
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