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Need alternative therapy to tackle arthritis? Read on.
Pain, inflammation and swelling are complaints that most people experience at one time or another in their lives. Millions of
South Africans live with arthritis and more than 60 percent of people over the age of 65 live with daily joint pain. Many accept this as part of the natural ageing process.
The symptoms could be short-lived or become long-term and persistent. If this is the case, your doctor will have prescribed chronic
medication. It's very important to stick to the directions on the package inserts of any prescribed medication. Also, it's
important in some forms of arthritis to start treatment early, as this helps to slow the progression of the disease.
So even if you think you just have a "bit of arthritis", speak to your doctor as blood tests or X-rays may be needed to identify your type of arthritis.
Managing arthritis at home
Heat therapy
Applying heat to the affected joints may help to reduce pain and stiffness. Superficial heat applied with hot packs, infrared radiation or hydrotherapy may lessen pain and swelling and improve flexibility. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), usually done by a physiotherapist, is also useful for lessening pain and stiffness in arthritis. Cold therapy is only used in the 24 to 48 hours following an acute injury.
Exercises
Disuse of the joint because of pain may lead to wasting of the muscles around the joint. Strengthening and maintaining these muscles is very important in the management of arthritis. People with arthritis should speak to their doctor before starting an exercise programme. In many cases, the doctor will recommend basic exercises. Isometric exercises generate less mechanical stress on a joint. Isometric exercises tighten muscles but don’t work joints.
Usually, range of motion exercises can be done every day:
• Exercise daily when stiffness and pain are the least.
• Take a warm shower or apply heat when pain is mild and long-standing.
• Perform gentle range-of-motion exercises in the evening to help reduce morning stiffness and in the morning to warm up.
• Modify exercises to avoid increasing joint pain. Ask a physiotherapist for guidance, if needed.
• Reduce the number of repetitions when the joint is actively inflamed.
Alternative treatments
For rheumatoid arthritis, try a small cup ginger, cat's claw and celery-seed herbal tea three times a day. Add ginger and celery seeds to your meals (they go particularly well with curries and Thai foods). Alternatively, add a teaspoon of powdered devil's claw root to a cup of water and simmer for 15 minutes. Drink a cup of this tea three times a day, but avoid it if you have ulcers or you're pregnant.
4. Supplements
Some experts recommend taking B-complex vitamins, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamineand chondroitin.
5. Acupuncture
The ancient practice of acupuncture centres around the principle of the flow of chi or vital energy in the human body.
