Arthritis refers to a group of painful and degenerative conditions that affect the joints, causing inflammation and stiffness along with debilitating pain. Currently, an estimated 100 known types of arthritis and related conditions are recognized. In fact, arthritis is considered to be the leading cause of disability in adults and affects over 54 million adults in the U.S. It affects people of all ages but is more commonly seen in those above the age of 65, and in women, as they are more susceptible to this disease.

However, it can affect people of all ages and there are currently almost 300,000 babies and children suffering from arthritis or rheumatoid conditions in America. By 2040, healthcare professionals estimate that there could be at least 78 million people diagnosed with arthritis. The two most common forms are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis. Keeping these aspects in mind, it’s important to be aware of symptoms, diagnosis, and effective, affordable, convenient, combinations of new and old-fashioned arthritis treatments. There is no known cure for the condition. Treatment consists of lifestyle and dietary changes, physical therapy, orthopedic braces, pain medications, and joint replacement surgery among many other forms of therapy. Most long-term sufferers tend to look for old-fashioned arthritis treatments. These include certain traditional medicines, home remedies, natural remedies, and physical therapies:

1. Hot and cold compress

Cold compresses prevent inflammation and reduce pain during flare-ups. Hot compresses relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. Hot tub soaks or warm showers are other alternatives if you don’t have hypertension/heart-disease, or are pregnant.

2. Magnetotherapy

It is effective only in the case of osteoarthritis but not in rheumatoid arthritis. You can wear them as bracelets, chains, inserts, pads, and disks.

3. Hydrotherapy and aquatic exercises

They help to reduce body weight, improve coordination, and range of motion, promote well-being and provide short-term pain relief.

4. Tai Chi and yoga

Slow, low-impact, gentle movements help to increase range of motion, balance, muscle strength, and flexibility.

5. Massage

Lowers stress-hormones, provides pain-relief, increases flexibility and grip strength, and range of motion.

6. Capsaicin

“Hot” chemical in chili-peppers relieves pain with topical application in moderate doses. It is available in a cream-based form.

7. Omega 3 fatty acids

Eating more oily fish, nuts, and seeds help to promote tissue strength and cell-growth.

8. Foods to avoid

Processed foods, dairy, and meat-rich diets. A gluten-free diet may help in some cases.

9. Bee venom

It is thought to contain anti-inflammatory peptides that reduce pain and swelling.

10. Vitamin D

From food and supplements to spending more time outdoors in natural sunlight builds stronger bones and immunity.

Symptoms of arthritis may occur suddenly or gradually over some time. Pain, swelling of joints, and stiffness are commonly seen in people who are suffering from arthritis. Other symptoms include:

• decreased range of motion
• redness around the affected joint
• worsening of symptoms after a rest/night’s sleep
• fatigue, loss of appetite, anemia, and low-grade fever in rheumatoid arthritis
• weight loss
• sleep disturbances
• inability to use hands or walk
• secondary changes leading to muscle weakness and loss of flexibility
• low aerobic fitness
• in severe cases, it may also lead to physical disability

Diagnosis is done through clinical exams, radiology, blood-tests (for rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor, and extractable nuclear antigen), testing of joint fluids, X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.