Natural Arthritis Remedies

The recent scare among arthritis sufferers involving Vioxx has many people scrambling for alternate methods to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Vioxx is an anti-inflammatory drug that was prescribed to many arthritis sufferers for many years until it was discovered that Vioxx could increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks. While some people are switching to similar anti-inflammatory medications, others are trying out different methods of arthritis relief.

Alternative Forms of Relief

Glucosamine and chondroitin are very popular dietary supplements that help ease joint pain. Not only do they help with pain and inflammation, but studies have shown that they can help slow the progression of arthritis and replace cartilage. Many arthritis sufferers enjoy these supplements and other similar supplements because they have almost no side effects. Before you decide to take supplements, though, contact your doctor. You'll need to discuss all the medications you take to determine whether they will react negatively with each other.

Exercise is an excellent way to ease arthritis pain. While exercising may be difficult and painful, it can have positive long-term effects. The stronger your joints are, the less pain and inflammation there will be. If aerobics or weight training are too taxing on you, try exercising in water. Swimming and water aerobics will strengthen your body and increase your range of motion while reducing wear and tear on your joints.

One of the best ways to remedy your arthritis pain is to get into shape. Every extra pound that you carry on your body is another pound that adds stress to your back, hips, knees and ankles. Loosing weight can reduce your arthritis pain significantly. By combining weight loss with herbal supplements and strengthened joints, you may be able to reclaim the life you couldn't have with arthritis.