Learn About Arthritis In Hands – Symptoms, Herbs And Natural Remedies

Heat and cold treatments

A very good way to reduce pain and inflammation is to do cold treatment on the painful area. You can place ice on the hand for 15 minutes at a time, with around 30 minute breaks between treatments. Cold is an especially good remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, but you might also want to try heat treatment. Heat on the hand will increase your blood flow and help your muscles to relax. Add heat, for example in the form of a warm water soaked towel or a heat bag, on to the hand for a while. Remember not to burn your hands.

Thunder god vine

This Chinese herb has been found very useful in helping people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a 2006 random clinical review, thunder god vine was found helping symptoms of hand arthritis by reducing pain and inflammation. According to WebMD, there is currently a large government funded study looking into thunder god vine and arthritis being conducted in the US.

Borage oil

Borage oil is very good in treating the inflammation of arthritis in hands. This is because borage oil contains high amounts of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 fat. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that after using borage oil for six months, there was a visible reduction of swelling and tenderness in joints. A Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found in 2008 that seven out of eleven studies looking into the benefits of borage oil or GLA in treating arthritis concluded in positive results.

Turmeric

The University of Maryland Medical Centre recommends on their website that 400 grams of turmeric extract a day may help alleviate pain and inflammation. A recent study, published in 2012, found that the chemical curcumin that is present in turmeric has very good anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic qualities. Turmeric is a very safe spice to use. In some cases, excess usage can cause nausea, and if this occurs, it is advised to consult your health professional.

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