In the United States, arthritis affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related diseases. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease that wears away the cushioning between the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and other parts of the body, causing uncontrolled inflammation.

Arthritis of any type can cause pain and result in lasting damage to the joints. In this article, we outline some of the most effective home remedies for slowing disease progression and treating the symptoms of arthritis.

1. Aquatic exercises

Aquatic exercises can be beneficial for people with arthritis. Water provides resistance, which helps increase exercise intensity.

At the same time, the buoyancy that the water provides helps support body weight, relieving pressure on the joints.

A 2015 scientific review found that older adults with osteoarthritis who participated in an aquatic exercise program experienced the following benefits:

• reduced body fat
• improved coordination
• improved range of motion
• improved mood and quality of life

The participants also experienced a reduction in arthritis pain, although this was often short-term.

For ongoing pain relief, the researchers support current recommendations to perform 40–60 minutes of aquatic exercise three times a week.

2. Weight loss

According to the Arthritis Foundation, each pound (lb) of body weight equates to 3 lb of added stress on the knees and 6 lb of added pressure on the hip joints.

This increased pressure causes the cartilage between the joints to break down more quickly, worsening osteoarthritis.

Losing weight can ease pressure on the joints, reducing pain and stiffness.

Heat and cold treatments are two different but effective methods for reducing arthritis pain.

Heat therapy boosts circulation and can soothe stiff joints and aching muscles, while cold therapy restricts blood vessels, which slows circulation, reduces swelling, and numbs pain.

People can try alternating heat and cold, but it is essential to monitor the skin carefully for damage from these treatments and discontinue their use if an injury occurs.

Heat treatments include:

• starting the day with a warm bath or shower to relieve stiffness
• applying warm paraffin wax to aching joints
• placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on aching joints

People should limit cold treatments to 20 minutes at a time. These treatments include:

• wrapping a bag of ice in a towel and applying it to painful areas
• submerging the affected joint in ice water
• using a cold pack

Some of these remedies are available for purchase online, including heating pads, hot water bottles, and cold packs.

To learn more about heat and cold treatments for inflammation, click here.

6. Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness is a form of meditation. When practicing mindfulness, people try to focus their attention on their feelings and what their body is experiencing in the present moment.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a program that uses mindfulness to help people manage pain and stress, both of which can compromise the immune system.

A 2014 study investigated whether MBSR could reduce disease activity in people with RA by boosting the immune system.

A total of 51 participants took part in the study, 26 of whom completed an 8-week program of MBSR while the remaining 25 received no treatment.

Participants who practiced MBSR showed a reduction in RA symptoms, including pain, early morning stiffness, and the number of tender and swollen joints.

Participants reported these improvements both immediately after MBSR and up to 6 months later.

7. Massage

According to the Arthritis Foundation, regularly massaging the muscles and joints can help soothe pain resulting from arthritis.

Experts believe that massage lowers the body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol and the neurotransmitter substance P, which has an association with pain. Massage also helps improve mood by boosting serotonin levels.

A 2013 study investigated the effects of massage on people with RA in their upper limbs.

The researchers divided the participants into two groups. One group received light-pressure massage, and the other received moderate-pressure massage.

A trained therapist gave each of the participants a massage once a week for 4 weeks. The participants also learned how to massage themselves and did this once a day.

After 4 weeks, the participants in the moderate-pressure massage group had less pain, better grip strength, and a greater range of motion in the affected limb than those who received light-pressure massage.

A 2015 study investigating the effects of moderate-pressure massage for knee arthritis reported similar benefits.

8. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

TENS is a method of pain relief that uses electrodes in the form of sticky pads that attach to the surface of the skin to deliver small electrical currents to the body. A person can adjust the intensity of the stimulation by turning a dial.

Electrical stimulation helps override pain signals while also triggering the body to release natural pain relievers called endorphins.

The authors of a 2014 meta-analysis concluded that the delivery of TENS at adequate intensities could help reduce osteoarthritis pain.

However, they also highlighted the need for further trials and studies to determine the best dosage and outcome measures.

9. Vitamin D

Vitamin D builds strong bones and helps maintain the function of the immune system.

A 2016 review found that people with RA often have lower vitamin D levels than those without the condition. Those with the lowest levels of vitamin D also tended to experience the highest levels of disease activity.

However, it is still not clear whether taking vitamin D supplements reduces disease activity in people with arthritis.

People can get vitamin D from sun exposure and certain foods. Vitamin D supplements are also available in stores and online.

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body and play a role in regulating the immune system.

The authors of a recent review concluded that omega-3 fatty acids appear to improve the symptoms of RA, but they noted that further studies are necessary to confirm this.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. People can also take omega-3 supplements.

These supplements are available in some health food stores and pharmacies, as well as online.

11. Chondroitin and glucosamine

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a chemical that occurs naturally in cartilage and bone. It blocks enzymes that break down cartilage and helps enhance shock-absorbency in the joints.

Glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) is a chemical that is responsible for the growth, repair, and maintenance of cartilage.

A 2016 study investigated whether a combination of CS and GH could treat knee osteoarthritis as effectively as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug celecoxib.

Researchers divided the 606 participants with knee osteoarthritis into two groups. One group received 400 milligrams (mg) of CS plus 500 mg of GH three times a day for 6 months.

The other group received 200 mg of celecoxib daily over the same period.

After 6 months, there were no significant differences between the two groups.

The combination of CS and GH was as effective as celecoxib in reducing pain, stiffness, and joint swelling after 6 months.

Medical treatment

There are almost 100 different types of arthritis. After making an initial diagnosis of the type of arthritis that a person has, a doctor will explain to them which treatment options are suitable.

Some examples of medications include:

• analgesics for pain control, such as acetaminophen
• NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation
• disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which slow or stop inflammation but weaken the immune system
• targeted DMARDs, which target specific inflammatory issues rather than suppressing the entire immune system

When to see a doctor

Without treatment, arthritis can cause permanent damage to the joints or progress more quickly.

People with arthritis should work with a doctor to decide which home remedies may work best with their medical treatment plan.

A person should visit a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms for 3 days or more:

• pain, swelling, tenderness, or stiffness in one or more joints
• redness and warmth of the skin surrounding the joint
• difficulty moving the joint or performing daily activities

Summary

Arthritis is a progressive condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Many different medication interventions are available, but using home remedies alongside these may be more effective in relieving pain and increasing mobility.

Common home remedies include massage, specific supplements, heat and cold therapy, and gentle exercises, such as yoga and tai chi.

People should speak with a doctor if they have any concerns about using home remedies for arthritis. It is also vital to ask about any supplements before taking them because they might interact with existing medications.

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