When considering natural therapies for arthritis as a first option, it is still important that you consult with your doctor and work closely with him or her to let them advise you.

Some of the natural approaches to treating the symptoms of arthritis include acupuncture and acupressure, biofeedback, chiropractic treatments, magnets,
massage therapy, meditation, Tai Chi and Yoga. This list is not necessarily all inclusive (source: http://arthritis.about.com/od/arthritistreatments/a/treatment.htm)

Supplements

Nutritional supplements may also be used, things such as fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.

Statistics suggest that over a third of people with arthritis get no exercise at all. It is suggested that exercise can relieve arthritic symptoms, and it it is imperative that before you begin any new exercise plan that you ask your doctor if it is the right plan for you.

Diet

Diet also plays an important role in naturally treating arthritis. A healthy diet in general is recommended and it is possible that more fresh fruits and vegetables may reduce arthritis risk.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which may relieve arthritis symptoms and can be an alternative arthritis treatment.

Cooking with olive oil is recommended by some. Olive oil is high level in unsaturated fatty acids and may combat the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.
Not unlike fatty acids.

Flaxseed oil may diminish the advancement of atherosclerosis.

Fish, fish, fish! Mackerel, herring and sardines, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish oil has benefits for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Fish oil supplements rich in omega 3 fatty acids may reduce arthritis symptoms.

Green tea is purported by some to battle the symptoms of arthritis.

Low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet can help. A more vegetarian diet is considered positive. Dairy products should be reduced in consumption. Polyunsaturated vegetable oils are bad. Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be stressed enough, again, fish, fish, fish! COLD water wild fish, not farm raised. Even walnuts.

Exercise is important. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any new exercise program. Swimming is considered by many to be the best exercise of all.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation can help. Even Yoga. Caffeine and tobacco are bad for you in general. Cut down your coffee intake. Quit smoking.

Psychological factors can play a role in arthritis relief, and Feng Shui, the Asian art manipulating your decor for harmony has been said to help arthritic suffering by some.

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin are commonly used arthritis symptom supplements.
• MSM is a natural sulfur anti-inflammatory compound that may help.
• Manganese is an antioxidant nutrient that may be useful against rheumatoid arthritis.
• Vitamin B3 has been rumored to slow down the advancement of arthritis.
• Turmeric and Ginger Extract are herbal anti-inflammatory extracts sometimes used against rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Physical therapy in general is a possible weapon in your arsenal against the advancement of arthritis. All of the natural remedies and suggestions in this article are subjects that you should weigh thoughtfully and discuss with your physician to develop a comprehensive approach and plan toward treating this debilitating disease.

Do not completely discount the placebo effect either. A “placebo” is an inactive substance remedy, such as a sugar pill, and in some cases, just the psychological advantage of knowing that a “medication” is being taken, even though it has no proven healing powers, can lead to some degree of relief.

In fact, this writer takes some medications for high blood pressure and controlling cholesterol and last time I was in the pharmacy, while waiting for the pharmacist to count to thirty a couple of times and deliver my medications to me, I was looking at the items on the counter rack, and noticed a chain link copper bracelet, advertised on its packaging as being for “pain relief.” I slid it off the metal rod it was hanging from and held it up to him and asked, “Do people BUY these things?”

He smiled and said, “Believe it or not, they do.”

I then asked, “Do they work?”

He said, “I don’t know. Some people say they do.”

Placebo effect or perhaps a science we don’t understand yet? Unknown.

Joint replacement is another treatment option for severe cases. Surgery, obviously, is to be very seriously considered and should be discussed at length with your doctor(s) to see if it is right for you.

Natural Treatments

Aside from drug therapy, there are alternative treatments such as changes in diet and food, rest, exercise, and weight loss.

Again, consulting with your physician is imperative to treating your arthritis effectively.

Some conventional medications include, pain relievers, ibuprofen and aspirin, steroids, DMARDS (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), BRMS (biologic response modifiers).

Therapy

Physical therapy and exercise, heat and/or cold application rest can help. Obesity often leads to arthritis and weight loss is often recommended by the medical community.

Surgery

Surgery may be in order if your doctor so advises. Surgery may include removal of inflamed joint linings, tendon repair, bone removal, trapped nerve release, joint fusing, or even artificial joints.

Joint replacement is a common form of treatment.

Joint replacement involves replaces the joint with metal or plastic devices. It is most common for hips and knees, and also shoulders, ankles, elbows and knuckles.

A wealth of information on arthritis is available on the Internet today and we urge anyone who wants to know more about the types of the disease, its causes and treatments to make use of the World Wide Web and search engines such as Google to find out more about this debilitating ailment.

However, information obtained on line should never be used in place of consulting with your doctor or health care professional. Arthritis is a serious illness and deserve proper medical attention in all cases.