Holistic approaches for arthritis relief can apply a gel directly to paproaches skin. Holistic approaches for arthritis relief qualified acupuncturist can insert needles at Antiviral virus protection pressure arthgitis to relieve chronic pain. While there artgritis no cure for arthritis, fr remedies, such as swimming, acupuncture, and massage, may help to relieve pain, stiffness, and swelling related to the condition. Axe on Pinterest K Followers. Many chiropractic offices offer several additional holistic services, including acupuncture, herbal treatment, massage therapy and nutrition. They found that mindfulness meditation reduced pain for people with chronic conditions. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome.

Holistic approaches for arthritis relief -

Talk to your healthcare provider as early as possible to determine the cause of hand pain so you can treat it as soon as possible. Hand arthritis—regardless of the arthritic cause—is best managed with a combination of therapies.

Talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new natural remedies for managing arthritis in your hands.

The hands have many tiny bones, making them more vulnerable to swelling. The problem with pain and swelling in your hands is that you need to use your hands more than any other body part to complete various daily tasks.

Strengthening your hands with exercises might help with RA and OA in the following ways:. Hand exercises to try include:. Do each of these exercises up to five times in a row, up to a few times a day, depending on your level of comfort.

In a study reported in in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases , Norwegian researchers instructed 80 women with hand OA to do hand exercises three times a day for three months. Activities included rolling fingers into a fist, squeezing a rubber ball, and spreading fingers as wide as possible.

Initially, many participants experienced significant hand pain when they started the hand exercises. However, hand and joint pain, grip, and function improved as the study progressed.

In another study reported in The Lancet , researchers followed people treating their hand RA with medication. Half of the study participants continued their regular treatment, while the other half added specific hand stretching and strengthening exercises to their treatment plans.

After a year, the hand exercises group had more significant improvements in hand flexibility, dexterity, and muscle strength. While hand exercises can be helpful, you should talk to a healthcare provider or a physical therapist before you try them.

They can help plan an exercise routine that is safe and most effective for you. If you experience significant pain while doing hand exercises, stop. Ask your healthcare provider or therapist how much pain is normal and discuss other activities that may not hurt as much.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses thin needles inserted into various body parts. The needles stimulate specific points in the body to correct imbalances and relieve pain.

A double-blind study in people with rheumatoid arthritis of the hand found that acupuncture significantly improved self-reported pain, grip strength, and quality of life.

The people receiving acupuncture treatment also had reductions in the number of swollen and tender joints. For chronic pain, acupuncture sessions may be more effective when repeated at least bi-weekly over a period of weeks.

Repeat treatment may be necessary to maintain effective pain relief. A cheap, easy, and effective treatment for arthritis hand pain is hot and cold therapy. Heat therapy can relax muscles and lubricate joints.

Alternatively, cold therapy reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain from arthritis. Some ways to utilize heat therapy for managing hand pain include:.

Cold packs can numb sore hands and reduce inflammation and swelling. You should apply cold therapy for 20 minutes at a time. Afterward, remove the ice treatment when the skin feels numb to the touch. To protect your skin, wrap the cold pack in a thin towel. Ways to utilize cold therapy include:.

With alternating heat and cold therapy, some people get the most arthritis pain relief. You can experiment with both to see what gives you the best pain and symptom relief in your hands and fingers.

Do not apply ice for more than 10 minutes at a time. Repeat up to 10 times a day. You can wear splints to reduce arthritis pain. When you experience pain but must still manage tasks with your hands, splints can be helpful because they immobilize the wrist and hands.

Wearing a splint or compression gloves overnight, every night may help improve pain and function. A study reported in the journal Rheumatology found benefits of using splints for joint pain. Specifically, it found that when participants used a splint on the distal interphalangeal DIP joint at night, it was a safe and simple way to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

The DIP joint is the first knuckle located at the top of the finger. Experiencing DIP pain is a sign of arthritis, including OA or RA. Splinting has also helped manage hand and wrist function in people with RA.

A study reported in in the journal Reumatologia found hand function in women with RA could cause problems with grip and manual dexterity. The researchers concluded that wrist stabilization could improve hand function.

Compression gloves might be an alternative to splinting. People typically wear compression gloves at night. Researchers think these tight-fitting and flexible gloves might improve pain and stiffness in the hands and potentially improve hand function.

However, while these gloves are safe and commonly used, there is little research on how helpful they might be. Capsaicin is the component in chili peppers that gives them their heat. It blocks pain signals when used in creams, gels, and patches.

Capsaicin creams generally cause few systemic full body side effects. However, topical use sometimes causes localized redness, itching, and pain. In a study in the journal Rheumatology , researchers reviewed the literature on capsaicin gel for hand and knee OA.

Before using capsaicin products on your hands, try a small amount in one skin area to make sure you are not allergic. In trials, capsaicin cream was applied up to four times a day.

RA can cause hand and finger pain, swelling, and stiffness. When hands and fingers become inflamed, joints tend to be warm and tender. Because RA is a symmetric condition, both hands are often affected.

Research on fish oil , as a complementary supplement for RA, finds the two active ingredients in fish, EPA and DHA, can help reduce inflammation. One study reported in in the Global Journal of Health Science found that people who took daily fish oil supplements had reduced RA pain. If taking fish oil capsules, follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations.

That is because most studies have not found fish oil to be effective for treating OA. Rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to a deficiency in vitamin D. Some studies have found that vitamin D may help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. All-trans retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to promote anti-inflammatory cells and suppress pro-inflammatory cells.

Studies have found that it may help suppress inflammatory cytokines associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Meditation is an ancient mind and body practice in Buddhism and other Eastern religions. It puts your focus and attention on the current moment so life's distractions do not get in your way.

Meditation has many benefits. It can:. In addition, research shows meditation can help manage chronic pain associated with conditions like OA and RA. In a review of literature, researchers evaluated the use of mindfulness-based mediation's effects on pain management.

They found that mindfulness meditation reduced pain for people with chronic conditions. However, researchers found that short-term meditation less than one week was more effective at pain control than longer-term meditation.

When you have arthritis, yourdiet can play a role in the symptoms you experience. A plant-based diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods.

Some people might also eat meat and dairy along with plant-based foods. This diet can provide nutrients that ease inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with arthritis. A study reported in the journal Arthritis found eating a plant-based diet could significantly improve function in people with OA.

However, the research on a plant-based diet for RA is mixed. Some studies find a plant-based diet might help reduce RA symptoms. However, not all studies show significant connections between this type of diet and improved pain and function. Regardless, it may be worth trying as part of your treatment plan to manage RA and reduce hand and finger joint symptoms.

Several herbal supplements may help manage OA and RA pain. These include curcumin, ginger, and boswellia. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric , a spice used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Curcumin is anti-inflammatory, and it has been touted for reducing pain and swelling in people with RA. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies, milligrams of turmeric twice a day could reduce joint pain and stiffness in both OA and RA.

The easiest way to get curcumin in your diet is to take it as a supplement. Ginger may reduce inflammation in people with RA and OA. In addition, a review found the ingredients in ginger can manage RA pain and reduce the potential for joint damage.

To increase ginger in your diet, you can make it as a tea or add ginger to baked goods or prepared meals. Ginger supplements are also an option, but check with a healthcare provider about correct dosing and safety. Boswellia , also called frankincense, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Boswellia may be a safe and effective treatment for OA when used for four weeks. It is safe in small doses and available as a tablet or a topical cream. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using this supplement.

The U. Unfortunately, that means their effectiveness and safety have not been studied or confirmed by the FDA. You should always talk to a healthcare provider about whether an herbal supplement is helpful and safe to use with your current arthritis treatment plan.

Make sure you purchase herbal supplements from reputable sources. A healthcare provider or pharmacist can offer recommendations about high-quality supplements. Depending on what type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter OTC and prescription medications for treating your arthritis.

Some of these include:. Some natural and at-home remedies may help manage your hand arthritis. Hand exercises, acupuncture, hot-cold therapy, splinting, meditation, and some supplements hold promise for non-pharmaceutical pain relief options.

Talk to a healthcare provider about which options may work well alongside standard medical care. Harvard Medical School. Hennig T, Hæhre L, Hornburg VT, et al. Effect of home-based hand exercises in women with hand osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial.

Ann Rheum Dis. Lamb SE, Williamson EM, Heine PJ, et al. Exercises to improve function of the rheumatoid hand SARAH : a randomised controlled trial. Seca S, Patrício M, Kirch S, Franconi G, Cabrita AS, Greten HJ. Effectiveness of acupuncture on pain, functional disability, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis of the hand: Results of a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

A person can also add Dead Sea salts to their bath. The water should be warm, never hot, as hot water can trigger symptoms. This soothing plant-based balm can provide comfort when a person applies it to patches of irritated skin.

How can aloe vera help with psoriasis? A person should try to moisturize their skin at least once per day. The best time to do this is within 5 minutes of taking a bath or shower.

A thick moisturizer is usually best. A pharmacist can suggest suitable options. Which emollients and moisturizers are good for psoriasis? Consuming foods that provide essential nutrients can help a person with psoriatic arthritis feel better and may reduce the risk of some complications, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and related conditions.

Foods that contain antioxidants and fiber may help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is an underlying factor in psoriatic conditions and other conditions that can occur alongside them, including obesity and heart disease. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a Mediterranean diet for people with PsA.

Which foods and diets may help with PsA? Research shows that people with PsA may have a higher risk of metabolic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Excess weight can also put pressure on the joints, causing pain and reducing mobility. Examples of TNF inhibitors for PsA include etanercept Enbrel and infliximab Remicade.

Obesity also increases the risk of inflammation in the body. It may also help a person manage the effects of PsA. What is the link between weight gain and PsA? It is important to remember that natural remedies do not replace the treatment plan a doctor prescribes.

However, they may help relieve some symptoms if a person uses them alongside medical treatment. Some therapies may interact with medications or cause unwanted effects.

A doctor can advise people on trustworthy sources. Here are some answers to questions people often ask about natural and alternative remedies for PsA. Natural remedies and lifestyle strategies can help manage PsA, but people should use them alongside medical treatment. Some key strategies for managing PsA include weight management and avoiding or quitting smoking.

Turmeric, acupuncture, and various other complementary approaches may also help people manage symptoms. No specific vitamin can help with PsA, but a diet that focuses on fresh ingredients will provide a balance of nutrients that are essential for overall health and well-being.

Highly processed foods with added salt and sugar can have an inflammatory effect on the body, while fresh fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. Cutting out added salt can also reduce the risk of various health issues, such as high blood pressure.

Avoiding added sugars can lower the chance of weight gain. Many natural treatments can help people with PsA and other psoriatic conditions, but not all of them have scientific backing. A person should consult their doctor before trying a new treatment to ensure that it is suitable for them.

Read the article in Spanish. Medications can relieve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, slow disease progression, and reduce or prevent joint damage.

We explore the current…. Doctors sometimes use hydroxychloroquine Plaquenil to treat inflammatory autoimmune conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. Learn more about it here.

Sulfasalazine may help ease pain and inflammation, but more evidence is necessary. Learn about taking sulfasalazine for psoriatic arthritis. Many people with psoriatic arthritis may find some relief from symptoms by making lifestyle changes.

We discuss the dietary and lifestyle changes that…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on October 20, Natural remedies Stress reduction Symptom relief Diet Cautions FAQs Summary Psoriatic arthritis involves inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints.

Natural remedies. Stress reduction techniques. Tips to relieve skin symptoms. Diet and weight loss. Frequently asked questions. How we reviewed this article: Sources.

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause.

According to the Centers artyritis Disease Holistic approaches for arthritis relief and Prevention, more Optimized for voice search That equates to rflief in four people over 18 having some form of arthritis! Arthritis is characterized by stiff, Ho,istic, hard-to-move joints and bones. The most common type of arthritis foor osteoarthritiswhich affects about 33 million American adults. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between bones and joints wears down, allowing bones to rub together rather than giving them the protection and cushion they need. Cartilage is made up of collagen and other substances that make connective tissue both flexible and strong. Cartilage covers the ends of bones where they meet the joints — and deterioration over time can affect the shape and functionality of the joints, making it painful and difficult to carry out everyday tasks.