When it comes to arthritis, the most viable form of treatment is to consult a medical professional. Dr. Dipti Bhoiwala of East Greenbush, NY’s Urgent & Primary Care, for example, is a certified rheumatologist who expertly diagnoses and treats rheumatic diseases, allowing her patients to lead happy, healthy lives. But if you need pain relief between appointments, the family care physician explains, there are several at-home remedies you can try.

5 Best Remedies for Arthritis Pain Relief

1. Get Some Rest

Restorative sleep is highly beneficial to those with arthritis. Not only does it boost your mood, but it also decreases bodily inflammation, which is a known symptom of rheumatic disorders.

According to Dr. Bhoiwala, adults should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night. But, if you’re drowsy or in more pain than usual, try taking a midday nap. Ideally, naps should be between 30 to 45 or 90 to 120 minutes. Anything in between will likely leave you feeling groggy and disoriented.

2. Take a Walk

When you’re in pain, your first instinct may be to take it easy. And while rest does have its benefits, as described above, low-impact exercises can also reduce your symptoms.

Walking, for example, gets your blood pumping, thus ridding the joints and extremities of harmful toxins. Over time, it also improves your strength and flexibility and helps you maintain a healthy weight. This last benefit is especially crucial because excess weight can put added pressure on your already aching joints. Just remember to consult your primary care doctor before starting a new exercise program.

3. Use Hot & Cold Therapy

For many, the key to relieving arthritic discomfort between rheumatology appointments lies right in their freezer. Ice packs, when applied to the affected area, alleviate painful swelling and inflammation. If you’re in a pinch, simply wrapping a towel around a bag of frozen vegetables will also do the trick.

But, for optimal pain relief, you’ll need to balance the cold with heat. Heating pads and hot showers, for example, stimulate blood flow, flushing the joints with essential nutrients and reducing joint stiffness.

4. Watch Your Diet

Did you know that your diet plays a crucial role in your pain levels? Many food groups including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains reduce inflammation and, as a result, ease arthritis pain.

So, instead of indulging in that extra helping of pasta, try snacking on some tart cherries or fresh broccoli. Fish oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce rheumatism. Ask your family care physician about other anti-inflammatory foods, ingredients, and supplements you can introduce into your weekly meal plan.

5. Communicate   

Arthritis is not merely a physical ailment. It has emotional components too. So, when your symptoms flare up, don’t forget you have a network of supportive family, friends, and primary care doctors on your side. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these individuals whenever necessary. Sharing your struggles will relieve your stress, giving you a more positive outlook on your health and well-being.

These at-home remedies should not replace medical intervention. Rather, they should complement professional care, giving you an even higher quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipti Bhoiwala and start your pain relief journey, call Urgent & Primary Care at (518) 463-8262 today. For more on their rheumatology services, visit their website.