It is during the autumn and winter that the articular pains arise. Then follow intense pains at rest or in motion, swelling or stiffness when awakening. For a long time known as a problem of seniors, joint pain now affects both the elderly and the young. They may have different origins, but very often they are the result of osteoarthritis. Let's take stock of the causes and symptoms of this disease as well as the natural ways to ease its symptoms.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis refers to a chronic condition due to the abnormal degeneration of the cartilage and the entire joint. Once the disease is triggered, it can gradually lead to destruction of the cartilage. The joints most affected by osteoarthritis are those of the knee, spine or hip, but it can affect other joints of the body such as the shoulders or the handles.
Osteoarthritis is considered the most common joint disease. Its symptoms are felt from the age of 40 or 50, but it can also appear at a younger age.
The causes and risk factors of osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis has long been considered a degeneration of the cartilage, associated with aging, where the latter loses its qualities of elasticity and flexibility. But today, it is known that in the case of osteoarthritis, it is the entire joint that is affected, namely: bone, ligaments as well as synovial fluid.
Osteoarthritis may occur due to various factors:
- Repeated trauma following the practice of violent sport, lesions of the meniscus, sprains, fractures ...
- Obesity and overweight
- The genetic predisposition
- The age
- Anomalies of the position of the joints
Symptoms of osteoarthritis:
Symptoms of osteoarthritis differ depending on the affected joint. In general this disease manifests itself in pains of varying intensity. For example, in case of osteoarthritis of the knee, it is quite common to have pain down the stairs.
Sensitivity and stiffness, especially when awakening, of the joint are also observed, accompanied by a lack of flexibility of the joint. Added to this is :
- Cracking
- The formation of bone excrescences at the level of the joint
- An inflammation of the joint
Treatments of osteoarthritis:
Until now, there is no treatment to cure this disease. Doctors generally advise their patients to rest during painful periods and prescribe medication to relieve symptoms. Anti-inflammatories and analgesics are the most administered to calm the pain. They are certainly effective, but are not without side effects.
To relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, opt for alternative medicine that uses 100% natural products.
Tips to Relieve Arthritis Pain Naturally:
The harpagophytum:
Harpagophytum, also known as Devil's Claw is a very effective herb to combat joint pain and stiffness. Thanks to harpagosides, its active ingredients, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic powers that help to improve the flexibility and the mobility of the joints.
You can consume it as a mother tincture, to be prepared by a pharmacist, or in the form of capsules or tablets. To take full advantage of its benefits, it is recommended to follow a treatment of 2 or 3 months.
Caution, this plant is not recommended for people who suffer from gall stones or gastric ulcer and pregnant or nursing women.
The turmeric:
This spice with strong coloring power has become today the fetish ingredient of the followers of natural tricks and alternative medicine. Turmeric possesses potent therapeutic powers that it owes mainly to curcumin its active ingredient.
It is an antioxidant spice that helps protect against damage caused by free radicals and also delays the demineralization of bones. Turmeric also has effective anti-inflammatory properties to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Indeed, according to one study, daily doses of 2 g of turmeric for 6 weeks had the same results comparable to ibuprofen, when administered to people who suffer from osteoarthritis.
Add 4 pinches of turmeric a day to your dishes and enjoy its virtues. You can also mix it with a little honey and black pepper to improve its absorption.
Meadowsweet:
Filipendula ulmaria, commonly known as meadowsweet is a plant used since the beginning of time to relieve joint and rheumatic pains. Its richness in antioxidants gives it an anti-inflammatory effect, whereas the salicylic acid, precursor of the aspirin, that it contains gives analgesic properties. It is therefore effective in soothing the pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Prepare a drink, letting it infuse a few flowering tops of this plant for 10 minutes. Consume this infusion 3 times a day.