8 Home Remedies to Treat Osteoarthritis & Bone on Bone Pain

Osteoarthritis or OA, is a degenerative disorder that causes anywhere from moderate to severe pain. Up to this point, the most common method of treatment has been a combination of lifestyle changes and conventional medicine.

However, as with any medication, there can be serious long term issues when you take them continually over the years. There has been much evidence that shows some home remedies, along with certain lifestyle changes can also help manage pain. In some cases it may even help to slow or prevent the OA from continuing to worsen.

While these therapies aren’t meant to replace your current treatment, they may be able to offer more relief. Be sure to consult with your physician before implanting any of the advice or information in this article.

Exercise and Physical Activity

As it is with so many other medical issues and health concerns, exercise is the number one prescription. But it is important to note that the type of activity best suited for OA and similar pain is specific. You want to engage in exercise that doesn’t present a lot of resistance. Weight lifting and contact sports are not the way to go. The most effective types of activity include light walking, yoga, cycling, tai chi, and swimming.

Hot/Cold Compress

Heat and cool compresses have long been used to treat all types of pain and discomfort. Additionally, they don’t come with any of the long term issues which accompany medication and other pharmaceutical options.

Weight Loss and Proper Nutrition

Obesity is one of the biggest driving forces behind numerous health issues in our society today from diabetes to high blood pressure to heart disease. And as far OA and bone on bone pain go, it is also a common cause. When the body is forced to continually support all of that extra weight, it takes a serious toll in the joints and support structure.

Eating healthy, vitamin rich foods can help you by not only inducing weight loss but also reducing inflammation and other possible contributing factors. This means a diet made up of lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber and less meat, dairy, and animal fats.

Bathing in Epsom Salt

Epsom salt soaks are one of the oldest home remedies for pain in this part of the world. The magnesium helps to fight inflammation and pain. It is one of the most common home remedies for feet and ankle issues since it is so easy to submerge them in water. However, it is also useful for knees, back, neck and shoulders, as well as everything else you can fit in the tub!

Professional (or Even Self) Massage

Massages can be a wonderful way to relieve tension and ease pain. While it is not considered a medical treatment according to OA guidelines, that certainly does not mean that it cannot be of some assistance in managing the pain and discomfort. And although you usually have to go into a facility which offers this type of service, there are plenty of professionals who will book an appointment for you in your own home.

On top of that, if the area of concern is accessible to you such as a knee or elbow, you can also perform your own self-massage. In addition to all of the physical benefits this may have, there are also the emotional ones as well. Massage therapy can do wonders for stress and anxiety. And although OA and bone on bone pain is real and the cause is physical, reducing stress levels can still help as far as not making the pain worse than it already is.

Topical Creams and Ointments

When it comes to finding an alternative for over-the-counter medications such ibuprofen or acetaminophen, certain creams and ointments might just be the ticket. By applying these gels and lotions directly to the troubled spot you can get much faster and sometimes more effective pain relief. They are especially beneficial to areas which are close to the skin surface such as elbows and knees. They sometimes contain analgesics or aspirin to numb the pain as well.

Another frequently used topical solution is capsaicin, which is made from spicy chili peppers. Applying it directly to the problem area 3-4 times per day is the most effective method of treatment. Just be sure that you do not get it in your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly after each application. Horse liniment and Tiger balm are also very good products as well.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies are growing in popularity for just about everything. For people who suffer with OA, they are most likely much safer than traditional medications in the way of side effects and definitely addiction. However, that does not mean that they are all without side effects, as well as the fact that they may interfere with certain medications that you may be taking. A few specific examples which many people report positive results with are:

• Turmeric
• Green Tea
• Ginger

Aromatherapy

Essential oils may also aid in pain reduction. Some of the most popular ones include ginger, orange, mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil. They are most effective when massaged thoroughly into the skin.

To learn more about various home remedies, as well as other possible alternative treatments, get in touch with the health and pain management experts at the Pain Relief Institute.