Traditional and Holistic Methods to Treat Arthritis

Arthritis affects everyone, with no respect for gender, age, background or culture. It is truly a universal disease. The far reaching disease is dealt with in many different ways, both traditional methods as well as holistic methods. For individuals who believe they or someone they love may be afflicted with arthritis, we will discuss the symptoms and some of the more proven treatments for controlling the disease.

Arthritis definition

Joint inflammation is the definition, and covers over a hundred diseases that attack the joints, muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons. The pain, swelling and stiffness are able to be treated with many different traditional and holistic remedies.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis afflicts over two million people of all ages. Early onset rheumatoid arthritis can strike as early as the toddler stage of life. This type of arthritis is characterized by the symmetry of the disease. If one knee is affected, then the other knee will be as well. This is true of all the joints that will be affected, but more than just joints are affected by this particular form of arthritis. Arthritis affects skin, eyes, heart, blood and more. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most recognizable form of arthritis and there are many treatments that can be applied to remedy the symptoms.

Traditional Treatments

Controlling pain, stiffness and fatigue that are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is best when there is early, aggressive treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune cells attack the body. Joints are the primary target by rheumatoid arthritis, but other areas of the body, such as the organs are affected by this disease. Traditional medicine addresses the symptoms with medications such as Methotrexate and Plaquenil, diet and exercise. Moving stiff joints is painful, but one of the most effective ways to help relieve the lack of mobility associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Diet is another method that traditional as well as holistic practitioners recommend for treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Holistic Treatments

The ancient Eastern exercises such as Tai Chi is a slow moving, stretching form of exercise and can be practiced by individuals of any age. Tai Chi uses all the muscle groups and joints in the body and will loosen stiff joints when practiced daily.

Acupuncture is a method to treat arthritis. This age old technique identifies the parts of the body thought to connect through pathways and it has been found that this treatment will reduce swelling, stiffness and joint pain.

Holistic treatments for arthritis include using all natural herbs, vitamins, diet, and supplemental minerals instead of using prescription medications. As with all medical issues, make sure to talk with your health care provider before stopping or starting a different treatment, whether it is traditional medical treatment or holistic.