There are over 11 million people in the UK suffering pain and discomfort from some form of arthritis. Arthritis is not necessarily associated with age, but the vast majority are over 40 with a devastating effect on quality of life.
Arthritis Research UK (ARUK) are the largest funder of research into arthritis and the hosts of National Arthritis Week.
The theme of the week is all about pain so there will be a questionnaire to find the levels of pain suffers are managing on a daily basis. This helps direct research.
Osteoarthritis in the UK
To mark National Arthritis Week, Stannah has created an engaging infographic about osteoarthritis with the top stats and symptoms of the condition.
Did you know that an estimated 8.75 million people aged 45 years and over in the UK have sought treatment for osteoarthritis? Treating both arthritis-osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – which are the two most common in the UK – is estimated to cost the economy £10.2 billion in direct costs to the NHS and wider healthcare system this year, so understanding the condition that plagues so many of us is crucial.
Natural Treatment for Arthritis
Seeking professional medical support for arthritis is always advised but here are a few things that may ease the inflammation and pain naturally. Things we can do for ourselves.
Magnet Therapy
For many years the use of Magnet bracelets to ease the pain of arthritis has been promoted to sufferers around the world. As a child I remember many relatives wearing that tight copper bracelet around the wrist for aches and pains.
Static magnets are thought to alter a persons bioenergectic fields that surround and penetrate the human body. Bioenergetic fields are energy flow and healers believed the magnets could draw the disease from the body.
This is an alternative therapy that has been around for generations and even those such as Sir Anthony Hopkins and Bill Clinton have been known to use them.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils contain natural aromatic compounds found in plants, trees, fruit and seeds so they a natural way to treat many ailments. There are lots of studies and research on how essential oils can help ease pain and improve the mood for many arthritis suffers today.
Essential oils possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin they are adsorbed quickly through to the tissue to give anti inflammatory relief.
Frankincense (The King of Oils), Ginger, Orange and Myrrh all possess key anti inflammatory properties companies such as Doterra have created a very unique blend of oils specifically for pain relief.
The quality of the oils is paramount, only using 100% pure oils that do not contain synthetic fillers will make any impact. Aromatherapy is also good emotional support to improve the mood for constant pain is directly linked with depression.
Nutrition advice for Arthritis
If arthritis is inflammation of the joints then what foods will alleviate the symptoms? Here are few key points from the Association of Dieticians.
- Fish oil – Omega 3 – Mackerel, sardines, tuna, herring and salmon
- Seeds and nuts i.e. walnuts, flexseed and soya
- Iron i.e dark green leafy greens such as Kale
- Vitamin B6
There are a number of things we can do to avoid the inflammation and one of those is to avoid coffee. Coffee contains substances that can increase inflammation, so green tea is recommended as a substitute.
Butter and margarine can also exasperate the problem as will excess sugar intake. So keep levels of consumption to a minimum or eliminate from the diet completely. There are other things you can do to avoid excessive pain so seek advice from a dietician. Keeping the body and mind healthy through food is a good way to maintain overall health.
Further Information on Arthritis
For further information and support or to donate Arthritis UK go to the website https://www.arthritisresearchuk.org and events on Eventbrite throughout the week.
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