There are over a hundred types of arthritis that millions of people suffer from every day. The characteristics of this disease include inflammation, swelling, redness, pain, and stiffness. Three types of arthritis rule over most sufferers: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and gout. A long list of prescription drugs have been tried to relieve swelling and pain, but offer much worse side effects including stroke and death. Even the current joint pain remedies on the market are questionable and may be taken away soon. People with asthma or kidney disease should not take an OTC joint pain reliever unless consulting a doctor first due to the reaction it may have with the body possibly triggering an asthma attack. Acetaminophen is the exception to the rule however it only offers pain relief, not an anti-inflammatory agent. Though acetaminophen doesn’t disturb the abdominal area, side effects from continued use may occur in the liver.

Natural health remedies are another option to control pain and inflammation. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to a person’s diet is a great way to decrease Cox-2 acting as an anti-inflammatory joint pain remedy. Omega-3 is found in flaxseed, grape seed, and walnuts. All of these are readily found in the grocery store and are an easy addition to regular recipes. Another natural joint pain reliever is simply to eliminate starch from the diet and add more fruits and vegetables. Garlic, mushrooms, fruit, whole grains, and leafy vegetables are also recommended. Ginger and Vitamin D are available in capsule form aiding in the decrease of joint pain and inflammation. Other herbs recommended include glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, SAMe, MSM and fish oil, but should be discussed with a health professional before consuming due to any interaction with drugs or other physical conditions a person may have. “But as for you: O man of God, flee from all these things: aim at pure righteousness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

Exercise is a great way for people to overcome joint and muscle pain, but warming up is crucial so not to damage the body any further. As far back as childhood a person may be damaging the joints and muscles by not warming up, but it is never too late to start. Getting the respiratory system ready for vigorous exercise ensures the least amount of immediate and long-term injury. When warming up be aware of the highest level of activity the body will endure. Prepare accordingly by gradually working oneself toward the goal without jumping into a high level of activity from any sort of resting level. Most importantly warming up starts moving the fluid in the joints, which decreases the chance for injury. As a person grows older warming up should take longer and is much more important due to the lessening of blood flow and weaker joints. When exercise is not possible or not desired, stretching is crucial to continued movement. As a person grows older the body is less able to move without proper training. Stretching also lessens the probability of joint injury by keeping the fluid moving at a gradual pace. Cool down exercises are just as important as warm up exercises. Never let the fluid of the joints go into shock. Physical trainers are educated in teaching people proper procedures for warm up and cool down depending on the level of activity the actual workout will be.

Factors that may increase a person’s chance of getting this disease include age, weight, genetic disposition, gender, and lifestyle. If stretching is not a daily activity the joints will not work very well as a person ages, thus presenting the risk of arthritis. If a person carries around extra weight so does their joints. The more irritation and tension the joints endure the less they will want to work. Hobbies or repeated work related movements cause irritation to joints and can be the reason for arthritis. A person cannot slow down their age or sometimes even choose their job, but taking special measures to ensure the best possible scenario are important for a longer time of mobility and general enjoyable life: stretches, choosing healthy food, prayer, and supplemental nutrients.

Understanding why family members have arthritis is a good way to identify habits and routines to avoid ensuring better management of the disease. Traits to look for include hobbies, how they do housework, their posture, and even the quality of their eyesight. All these things offer clues into why the disease developed in addition to simple genetic disposition. If there is no indication of why a joint pain remedy is needed then talking to a doctor about other possibilities such as fibromyalgia or other muscle problems might need to be explored. A diary of all activity including food eaten as well as weather and when the arthritis acts up the most will help determine causes and from there a person can develop the best possible treatment plan including a joint pain reliever.