TENS treatments reduced the intensity of pain, but results were inconsistent across trials. Learn more about the best TENS units here. During a treatment session, an acupuncture practitioner inserts thin stainless-steel needles into specific points on the body to help relieve a range of symptoms.

A review found that acupuncture may provide relief without any adverse effects in people with RA. While some research shows that acupuncture can improve arthritis symptoms, researchers do not yet fully understand how it works.

Learn more about acupuncture for arthritis here. Tai chi is the practice of fluid and gentle movements and offers different styles for people at all fitness levels. Many people with arthritis prefer The Sun Style, as it uses a standing position with less bending at the knees.

It consists of mobility-focused exercises and relaxation. A study examined the people who had knee pain and osteoarthritis of the knee. One group performed tai chi in two 1-hour sessions per week for 12 weeks.

The other group took part in two minute physical therapy sessions a week for 6 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of other home-based exercises. The researchers found that both groups reported a reduction in their pain at 12 weeks. The participants in both groups also had similar improvements in their physical functioning.

Additionally, those who opted for tai chi movement had fewer depression symptoms and improved quality of life compared with those who participated in a stretching and education program.

Mindfulness meditation involves training the mind to pay nonjudgmental attention to thoughts, emotions, and feelings in the body. This may reduce the pain that results from chronic symptoms. A study associates mindfulness meditation with lower pain sensitivity.

It also notes that it may be effective for individuals who do not have any experience in meditation. Learn about the seven types of meditation here. This could result in significant pain reduction and help to preserve the remaining joint cartilage.

Omega-3s are a type of essential fatty acid. They are available in fish oil supplements and also in vegetarian forms. When someone takes omega-3s, the body converts them into an anti-inflammatory. A review of studies of individuals with RA found that supplementation with omega-3s results in significant decreases in joint pain when compared with control groups.

Learn more about the benefits of fish oil for arthritis here. For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub. Before taking herbal remedies, people should consult a healthcare professional.

This is because they can cause side effects and interact with other medications. The CDC state that it may be best to engage in activities that are easy on the joints, such as cycling , swimming, and walking.

The NHS also recommends following a balanced diet so there is less pressure on the joints. For example, a person can eat fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products, among others. The AF provides some tips that may help individuals manage their arthritis:.

Depending on the remedy, side effects can occur. For example, the NHS states that some people may experience pain, dizziness, drowsiness, or bleeding when undergoing acupuncture. However, this is rare and temporary. Herbal supplements can also lead to side effects.

For example, the AF says doctors may not recommend ginger and chamomile for those who take warfarin. This is because they may interact with the medication and increase bleeding risk. As for heat therapy, the NHS advises against applying hot water bottles directly to the skin or filling them with boiling water.

A person should also avoid lying or sleeping on heat packs as these can cause burns. However, a person can opt for natural remedies alongside their medical treatment, such as yoga, skin products, and warm compresses, among others, to help manage their symptoms.

Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils.

It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. A person can use essential oils topically or in the form of aromatherapy. However, before a person applies an essential oil to the skin, they should combine it with a carrier oil. While there is no cure for arthritis, many natural remedies can help alleviate pain, swelling, and stiffness.

A person should speak with a doctor before trying any natural remedies, as this ensures that the treatment is safe for them. Arthritis causes pain in the joints and the tissues surrounding the joints. The article looks at the types, causes, and treatments, including natural….

A person cannot reverse arthritis, but they can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of…. There are many types of arthritis.

Learn about the most common ones, including their location, causes, and symptoms, here. Lumbar arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. In this article, learn about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers are reporting that women who go through early menopause, have more than four children, or undergo hormone replacement therapy may have a….

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Efficacy Best natural remedy Physical activity Physical therapy Hot or cold therapy Massage Yoga Topical gels TENS unit Acupuncture Tai chi Mindfulness meditation Weight Omega-3s Herbal remedies Lifestyle changes Side effects FAQs Summary While there is no cure for arthritis, natural remedies, such as swimming, acupuncture, and massage, may help to relieve pain, stiffness, and swelling related to the condition.

Do natural remedies work for arthritis? What are the best natural remedies? Physical activity. Physical therapy. Hot or cold therapy. Topical gels. TENS unit. Tai chi. Mindfulness meditation. Achieving a moderate weight. Omega-3 fatty acids. Herbal remedies. Further resources For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful? This may include taking medications, doing daily exercises and stretches, practicing meditation, and eating a well-balanced diet.

Some ways to help manage arthritis flare-ups may include resting your joints, using heat and ice treatments, and using OTC pain relievers and NSAIDs. Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that may cause stiffness, inflammation, and pain in your joints. A treatment plan may help provide pain relief, slow disease progression, and improve your quality of life.

Speak with a healthcare professional if arthritis is impacting your daily functions. I broke 3 of my fingers 10 years ago and have been experiencing arthritis pain ever since.

The only thing that really works for me is massaging them, thankfully it really only happens when the seasons get cold. I can't really imagine taking pain meds for it yet since it's just my hands and not terrible. We encourage our readers to share their unique experiences to create a helpful and informative community here on Healthline.

Our editors will also review every comment before publishing, ensuring our high level of medical integrity. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Magnesium has become a popular sleep aid. Learn the effects of magnesium on the body, particularly on the processes that promote sleep. Potassium iodide can protect your thyroid gland in the event of exposure to nuclear radiation.

If you're experiencing burnout, you may feel drained both physically and emotionally. These tips may help. Standard treatment for hypothyroidism includes oral medication, but there are natural therapies too.

Read about the pros and cons of five natural…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Natural Relief from Arthritis Pain. Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD — By Mary Ellen Ellis — Updated on January 24, Weight management Exercise Heat and cold Acupuncture Meditation Diet Turmeric Massage Herbs FAQ Takeaway Comments Staying active, managing your weight, and making changes to your diet are a few natural ways to ease arthritis pain.

Share on Pinterest. Manage your weight. Get enough exercise. Use hot and cold therapy. Try acupuncture. Use meditation to cope with pain.

Follow a healthy diet. Add turmeric to dishes. Get a massage. Consider herbal supplements. Frequently asked questions. How we reviewed this article: Comments. Other , Age 34 November 9, Living with for 10 years.

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Jan 24, Written By Mary Ellen Ellis. Feb 9, Written By Mary Ellen Ellis.

Repeat treatment may be necessary to maintain effective pain relief. A cheap, easy, and effective treatment for arthritis hand pain is hot and cold therapy. Heat therapy can relax muscles and lubricate joints. Alternatively, cold therapy reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain from arthritis.

Some ways to utilize heat therapy for managing hand pain include:. Cold packs can numb sore hands and reduce inflammation and swelling. You should apply cold therapy for 20 minutes at a time. Afterward, remove the ice treatment when the skin feels numb to the touch.

To protect your skin, wrap the cold pack in a thin towel. Ways to utilize cold therapy include:. With alternating heat and cold therapy, some people get the most arthritis pain relief. You can experiment with both to see what gives you the best pain and symptom relief in your hands and fingers.

Do not apply ice for more than 10 minutes at a time. Repeat up to 10 times a day. You can wear splints to reduce arthritis pain. When you experience pain but must still manage tasks with your hands, splints can be helpful because they immobilize the wrist and hands.

Wearing a splint or compression gloves overnight, every night may help improve pain and function. A study reported in the journal Rheumatology found benefits of using splints for joint pain.

Specifically, it found that when participants used a splint on the distal interphalangeal DIP joint at night, it was a safe and simple way to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. The DIP joint is the first knuckle located at the top of the finger. Experiencing DIP pain is a sign of arthritis, including OA or RA.

Splinting has also helped manage hand and wrist function in people with RA. A study reported in in the journal Reumatologia found hand function in women with RA could cause problems with grip and manual dexterity.

The researchers concluded that wrist stabilization could improve hand function. Compression gloves might be an alternative to splinting. People typically wear compression gloves at night. Researchers think these tight-fitting and flexible gloves might improve pain and stiffness in the hands and potentially improve hand function.

However, while these gloves are safe and commonly used, there is little research on how helpful they might be. Capsaicin is the component in chili peppers that gives them their heat. It blocks pain signals when used in creams, gels, and patches. Capsaicin creams generally cause few systemic full body side effects.

However, topical use sometimes causes localized redness, itching, and pain. In a study in the journal Rheumatology , researchers reviewed the literature on capsaicin gel for hand and knee OA. Before using capsaicin products on your hands, try a small amount in one skin area to make sure you are not allergic.

In trials, capsaicin cream was applied up to four times a day. RA can cause hand and finger pain, swelling, and stiffness. When hands and fingers become inflamed, joints tend to be warm and tender. Because RA is a symmetric condition, both hands are often affected. Research on fish oil , as a complementary supplement for RA, finds the two active ingredients in fish, EPA and DHA, can help reduce inflammation.

One study reported in in the Global Journal of Health Science found that people who took daily fish oil supplements had reduced RA pain. If taking fish oil capsules, follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations.

That is because most studies have not found fish oil to be effective for treating OA. Rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to a deficiency in vitamin D. Some studies have found that vitamin D may help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

All-trans retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to promote anti-inflammatory cells and suppress pro-inflammatory cells. Studies have found that it may help suppress inflammatory cytokines associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Meditation is an ancient mind and body practice in Buddhism and other Eastern religions. It puts your focus and attention on the current moment so life's distractions do not get in your way. Meditation has many benefits. It can:. In addition, research shows meditation can help manage chronic pain associated with conditions like OA and RA.

In a review of literature, researchers evaluated the use of mindfulness-based mediation's effects on pain management. They found that mindfulness meditation reduced pain for people with chronic conditions.

However, researchers found that short-term meditation less than one week was more effective at pain control than longer-term meditation. When you have arthritis, yourdiet can play a role in the symptoms you experience.

A plant-based diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods. Some people might also eat meat and dairy along with plant-based foods. This diet can provide nutrients that ease inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with arthritis.

A study reported in the journal Arthritis found eating a plant-based diet could significantly improve function in people with OA. However, the research on a plant-based diet for RA is mixed. Some studies find a plant-based diet might help reduce RA symptoms.

However, not all studies show significant connections between this type of diet and improved pain and function. Regardless, it may be worth trying as part of your treatment plan to manage RA and reduce hand and finger joint symptoms.

Several herbal supplements may help manage OA and RA pain. These include curcumin, ginger, and boswellia. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric , a spice used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Curcumin is anti-inflammatory, and it has been touted for reducing pain and swelling in people with RA. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies, milligrams of turmeric twice a day could reduce joint pain and stiffness in both OA and RA.

The easiest way to get curcumin in your diet is to take it as a supplement. Ginger may reduce inflammation in people with RA and OA. In addition, a review found the ingredients in ginger can manage RA pain and reduce the potential for joint damage.

To increase ginger in your diet, you can make it as a tea or add ginger to baked goods or prepared meals. Ginger supplements are also an option, but check with a healthcare provider about correct dosing and safety. Boswellia , also called frankincense, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Boswellia may be a safe and effective treatment for OA when used for four weeks. It is safe in small doses and available as a tablet or a topical cream. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using this supplement.

The U. Unfortunately, that means their effectiveness and safety have not been studied or confirmed by the FDA. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

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Show references Rosenquist EWK. Overview of the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain. Accessed May 30, Factors that affect arthritis pain. Arthritis Foundation. Natural relief for arthritis pain. Managing chronic pain: How psychologists help with pain management.

American Psychological Association. Benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis. ACPA resource guide to chronic pain management: An integrated guide to medical, interventional, behavioral, pharmacologic and rehabilitation therapies, edition.

American Chronic Pain Association. Tips for managing chronic pain. Smoking and musculoskeletal health. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Products and Services Bath Safety and Mobility Products A Book: Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis.

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Rheumatology involves studying diseases can affect the joints, muscles and bones, often causing pain, swelling, stiffness and even deformity. The most common type of treatment for arthritis is pharmaceutical drugs.

Those that are most often prescribed to manage osteoarthritis are analgesics. These drugs are used to treat only the pain but not also inflammation or the underlying causes of arthritis.

Four common prescription analgesics used to treat osteoarthritis pain include:. Not only do these medications pose many potential side effect s, but they can also be very addicting. The U. Food and Drug Administration requires a label warning of risks associated with these prescriptions, including heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding.

For dealing with very bad pain, over-the-counter drugs might be helpful temporarily, every now and then. If you want to avoid the risk and side effects of prescription painkilling drugs, the alternative natural treatments for arthritis above can greatly help control your pain and help your condition.

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