Home Remedies for Arthritis in Hands

Home Remedies for Arthritis in Hands

Arthritis in hands is the most common type of arthritis. This kind of arthritis happens when there is the breakdown of the cartilages that support the bone structure. Since we use our hands and fingers for doing most of the activities, arthritis in hands can be a cause of discomfort and uneasiness. Swollen fingers, joint inflammation, stiffness along with pain are some of the symptoms of of hand arthritis.

Due to the advancement in the medical field, there are many methods for controlling the various symptoms of arthritis. Well, along with medications, you can also try some easy but highly effective natural remedies to improve the condition of your fingers and hands.

Here are top 10 home remedies for Arthritis in Hands.

1. Honey and Cinnamon
The combination of honey and cinnamon powder is a good way to treat arthritis in hands due to their excellent healing properties. Honey has antiseptic qualities, while cinnamon has good antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. When both honey and cinnamon are used together it helps in relaxing the stiff muscles of the body. Those suffering from finger arthritis must take a mixture of one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder on daily basis. It is advisable to eat this mixture every early morning on empty stomach.

2. Olive Oil
There is a strong connection between olive oil and inflammation caused when suffering from arthritis. There is a special compound known as oleocanthal present in olive oil that helps in preventing the production of pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. So, when olive oil is used for cooking food, it helps a lot in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. At the same time you can use olive oil to massage your hands and fingers. For massaging, make a mixture of warm olive oil and lavender oil and massage the hand with gentle strokes to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.

3. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a rich source of magnesium that helps in improving the usage of oxygen and at the same time it prevents hardening of the arteries and blood clots. Simply soaking your hands in warm water mixed with Epsom salt for half an hour daily can help in reducing the inflammation and will give you much relief from muscle cramps and pain. At the same time you can also add two handfuls of Epsom salt and one handful of rock salt along with fennel oil and juniper oil in warm water to soak your hands for fifteen minutes daily. This remedy will also help a lot in reducing the stiffness, inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

4. Potato
Potato has anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties that can help a lot to treat hand arthritis. You can prepare potato juice by cutting a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin and then put the potato slices in cold water overnight. Next morning strain the solution and drink the water on an empty stomach. When this raw potato juice is consumed daily, it will give you relief from pain and the joints will become more flexible. Else you can extract the juice of a medium sized potato and dilute it with some water before drinking it. This remedy is not for those suffering from diabetes.

5. Castor Oil
Castor oil has powerful medicinal and curative powers. The medicinal component known as Ricinoleic Acid present in castor oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This is why castor oil helps a lot to get relief from arthritis pain. Take any castor oil and apply to the affected area and gently massage it twice a day in order to reduce the pain. Else boil two tablespoons of castor oil and then add it into a glass of fresh orange juice. Drink this juice before eating your breakfast daily and within weeks you can notice improvement in your condition.

6. Garlic
Garlic is another effective ingredient that can be used in the treatment of arthritis in hands. It contains an anti-inflammatory property which helps in lot in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. At the same time garlic contains a substance known as allicin which helps the body to suppress the growth and reproduction of micro-organisms that can worsen the symptoms of arthritis. On regular basis, you can eat garlic, either in raw or cooked form as per you according to individual preference. Else take a few garlic cloves and heat them up with some mustard oil. Once the oil comes to room temperature apply it on your fingers and gently massage it. Repeat the process several times a day to get quick relief.

7. Hot Water
For joint pain on fingers due to arthritis, you need to use warm compresses to get rid of the pain. A warm compress stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles and joints and reduces the stiffness. For this remedy soak a towel in hot water and after squeezing the excess water put it over your hands and fingers. Repeat the process several times a day. When warm compresses are applied on the affected fingers, there will be improvement in hand and finger movements. For better result, warm compresses should be combined with light exercise so that the stiffness on the hand and fingers can get reduced to a great extent.

8. Ice Pack
Cold therapy is good for those suffering from hand arthritis. For this therapy you can use ice packs or a plastic bag filled with crushed ice or a bag of frozen greens. Put the ice pack on the affected area for a few seconds and again repeat the process. Apply the cold compress to only one or two joints at a time and sure to put a thin towel between the ice pack and the skin to prevent frostbite. Regular application of ice pack on the affected hands and fingers will lessen the irritation and reduce the soreness. However, it is important to bear in mind that different people may respond differently to cold therapy.

9. Turmeric
Turmeric is another popular ingredient that can be used in the treatment in hand arthritis due to its anti inflammatory properties. At the same time turmeric has also got antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in killing the bacteria behind the cause of arthritis as well as give protection to the infected finger from the attack of other micro-organisms. Add a teaspoon of turmeric into a glass of warm milk along with some honey and drink it. Else you can mix turmeric powder with warm water and drink it daily to get relief from the symptoms of arthritis. Another option is add a few drops of mustard oil to one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it properly to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the swollen fingers and leave it for about half an hour. Finally wash the area with lukewarm water. This remedy will also give you relief from pain and inflammation.

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10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties that help in reducing pain and stiffness in the hands from arthritis. Every day try to drink a glass of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey. Else you can make a paste by warming the apple cider vinegar and adding a small amount of cayenne pepper to it. Apply this warm paste to painful joints and leave it for ten minutes. Soon you will get relief from the pain as well as soreness and stiffness.

To conclude, along with these home remedies for arthritis in hands, you also need to follow the advices given by your doctor. At the same time never neglect exercises and physical therapies to enjoy better joint movements of your fingers and hands.

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