Do you suffer from osteoarthritis pain? The discomfort and inconveniences of this disease are no laughing matter and while you might already have a treatment plan in place with your doctor’s recommendations, doing home remedies can help you manage the pain better.
Our pain doctor in Spring Hill recommends the following science-backed home remedies that could help you manage osteoarthritis pain.
1. Use a hot and cold compress
Applying a warm compress two or three times a day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time will help loosen stiff muscles and make osteoarthritic pain more bearable, according to Michigan Medicine. You may also try a hot shower or an electric heating pad set on medium or high to help with the stiffness.
You can alternate warm compress with a cold compress or ice massage if your osteoarthritic pain is accompanied by inflammation or joint swelling. Just be sure to never apply the hot or cold compress directly on your skin to prevent burns or scalds. Simply wrapping it with a towel can do the trick.
2. Take an Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt packs are readily available at drugstores and it’s quite effective against aches, stiffness, and fatigue according to the Arthritis Foundation. Ancient people used Epsom salt baths for various kinds of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritic pain.
Put at least 2 cups of Epsom salt in your bath water with a temperature of 102°F (38°C). Soak in for 30 minutes.
3. Add green tea drinking to your daily diet.
Green tea contains significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants. These are not only anti-inflammatory but were also been proven to reduce damage to cartilage, according to a study in Arthritis Research and Therapy. Make it a habit to drink at least three to five cups of green tea daily to fully reap the health benefits to your body.
4. Go swimming.
Believe it or not, swimming is actually an ideal form of exercise for people suffering from osteoarthritis pain. If you think you’re too achy to exercise, this may help relieve pressure from your joints. Swimming for 45 minutes three days a week is a good routine, according to a study in the Journal of Rheumatology.
5. Try some turmeric.
This yellow spice commonly used for curry dishes (and some mustard concoctions) is a powerful natural remedy against pain and swelling because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
You can enjoy turmeric even if you’re not having curry dishes all day. Sprinkle at least 1/2 teaspoon of this spice in your vegetables or you can prepare a turmeric tea three times a day by grating and boiling dried turmeric root to drink with lemon and honey.
Learn More About Osteoarthritis Pain Relief From Our Pain Doctor in Spring Hill
Pain Management & Spine Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Eyad Alsabbagh, is a fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Medicine pain doctor in Hernando County. He is trained and educated to provide the highest quality of service to patients suffering from multiple conditions, varying from narcotic addiction to back pain. He utilizes state-of-the-art technology at his pain management clinic.
Dr. Alsabbagh of Brooksville Pain Management, Spring Hill Clinic understands that pain is a very personal experience. This is why he evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines what sort of treatment will be most beneficial for that particular person. Our goal is to help you ensure a fuller, pain-free life.
If you have further questions about nerve blocks or anything related to pain management, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or to contact us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.