There are many types of cold packs that may be used for cold therapy for arthritis pain and inflammation. Here are 3 of the most common and how to use them.
Alternative Treatments
Treatments for arthritis that lack the clinical data of more heavily studied treatments like prescription medications and surgery, or those less commonly prescribed or delivered by a medical doctor, are often termed 'alternative' or 'natural' remedies. Some alternative arthritis treatments do provide relief from pain, inflammation and other arthritis symptoms for some arthritis sufferers and some do have scientific evidence to support their efficacy. However, most healthcare professionals agree that more research is needed and advise patients to be cautious – and to discuss any of these treatments, which may be helpful in conjunction with conventional medicine, with their doctor.
Listed below are peer reviewed articles on alternative arthritis treatments
Figuring out whether joint pain therapy with moist heat or dry heat may take some trial and error. Here are 9 options to try for arthritic joint pain relief.
Reiki healing and acupuncture, two alternative treatments that focus on optimizing the flow of energy in the body, may be incorporated into integrated medicine treatment of arthritis pain.
Heat and/or cold therapies can be an inexpensive way to effectively treat pain in arthritic joints. Learn when to use heat, when to use cold, and the benefits of each.
Preliminary studies show glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to be safe to use for patients who are non-diabetic or on blood thinners. Common side effects may include nausea and diarrhea
Can Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements help reduce osteoarthritis pain? Learn how these supplements work in this physician reviewed article.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are found naturally in the body's joint cartilage. Studies suggest these supplements may help with osteoarthritis pain and cartilage repair.
Anti-inflammatory diets and dietary supplements are commonly incorporated into integrative medicine treatment plans for arthritis.
An integrative medicine approach to managing arthritis pain may include a combination of Western medicine and several alternative treatments, including acupuncture, Reiki, dietary changes and supplements, and more.
Hands-on therapies such as massage therapy and chiropractic treatment may be helpful in treating arthritis symptoms as part of an integrated medicine approach.
