Osteoarthritis from A-Z: Signs and Homemade Remedies

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects joints; unfortunately, it’s the most common chronic condition affecting this part of the body and, so far, no cure has been found.

However, anyone can prevent or slow down the progression of the illness using natural, at-home methods. But how do you know you need to? Let’s find out.

Causes & symptoms

OA (Osteoarthritis) is caused by joint damage; most of the time, it happens naturally over time, which is why the elderly are most affected by the disease. Sometimes, it can also appear due to torn cartilage, ligament injuries or dislocated joints.

The most commonly affected areas are the hands, knees, hips, fingertips and the spine (lower back or neck).

The main symptoms of OA include:

• Tenderness, discomfort
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Stiffness

Home remedies

Whether you’re already experiencing OA symptoms or just think you’re at risk for the disease, it’s never too late to take action. These home remedies can make a real difference in helping you to feel better:

• Green tea

Aside from being a delicious treat, green tea also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A study published by the Arthritis Research and Therapy proved that green tea can increase the protection of cartilage.

• Ginger

Taking oral ginger is not a quick OA cure, but it’s definitely effective on the long run. Studies in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage show that ginger can decrease the risk for developing disabilities due to OA.

• Turmeric (Curcumin)

Although it’s related to ginger, curcumin provides different benefits in terms of OA treatment. According to studies, this substance can reduce stiffness and pain caused by the OA.
Extra tip: consuming turmeric with black pepper can enhance the benefits of the herb.

Osteoarthritis: lifestyle tips

• Stay active. After a certain age, exercise is increasingly difficult – let alone when you’re experiencing OA symptoms. Simple activities like yoga or tai chi (which you can do during quarantine too) can improve flexibility and reduce some of the stiffness.
• Adapt your diet. Certain foods rich in minerals and vitamins can improve bone structure and joint flexibility. Make sure to enrich your diet with citrus fruits, fish with omega-3 fatty acids (tuna, salmon), nuts, or avocado.
• Avoid unhealthy habits. Drinking alcohol, eating trans fats and using aspartame (artificial sweetener) can all take a toll on your physical health. It’s best to stay away from them as much as possible.

Looking for more ways of protecting your joints starting today? Our post here covers all the details along with the best supplements for osteoarthritis.