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The literal meaning of arthritis is inflammation in joints, a condition in which a patient suffers from pain, swelling, stiffness, and affects joint movement.
However, arthritis is not just a name of a single joint condition.
Instead, there are different types and symptoms.
It can occur in organs like the eyes, skin, or even the heart.
Most Common Symptoms and Causes
If you feel any kind of pain in or around any of your joints, you shouldn't just ignore it.
Don't believe in self-treatment because a diagnosis at the right time leads to better treatment.
Although there is no permanent cure has been reported yet, some treatments prove beneficial.
Some of the most common symptoms and causes of arthritis include:
- Pain, tenderness, and stiffness of joints
- Redness or swelling not linked to any injury
- Inflammation in or around any joint
- Decreased rate of motion in joints
- Weak and loose muscles
It may be difficult to tell a specific reason that can cause arthritis because there are several factors that can increase the risk of arthritis.
Some genes have been identified that can make you more likely to get certain types of arthritis.
Sometimes it is related to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, mostly vitamin D deficiency.
Most Common Types of Arthritis
There are more than a hundred types of arthritis being reported over time, but the most commonly occurring types include:- Osteoarthritis- It affects the cartilage lining in between the bones that disturb movement leading to pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis- the type of inflammatory arthritis also known as an autoimmune condition in which your immune itself affects healthy tissues, including joints.
- Spondyloarthritis- the type in which pain and swelling occur mainly around the joints of the spine.
- Juvenile Arthritis- mostly occurs in children and causes inflammation in their joints.
- Gout- this occurs when crystals of undissolved calcium or other minerals build up in the joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis- a term related to a skin condition in which red and white skin patches appear, affecting the joints and areas where tissues are attached to the bones.
There is no cure found yet that can completely cure arthritis, but you can stop it from getting worse and slow down the effect by adopting a healthy lifestyle with the below-mentioned remedies to slow down the effect:
- Physical Therapy
- Ointments and different medications for pain relief
- Certain Types of Exercises under the supervision of a trainer
- Adding Natural Supplements, Herbs, and Vitamins to the diet
- Prescribed Drugs that can reduce pain and inflammation
Adopting above mentioned ways to slow down the damage due to arthritis is the best way.
To further help you to get hands-on with which supplements you should take, continue to read below.
12 Best Supplements for Arthritis
As we know that there is no cure to completely get rid of arthritis, we are left with ways to reduce the damage caused by arthritis and improve our condition.
One of the healthiest ways is to choose the right kind of supplements.
Now the confusion here is which supplements are the most effective?
Don't worry! We have your back. Here is the list of the 12 best supplements for arthritis.
1. Collagen
Research has shown that collagen supplements are effective in certain conditions of arthritis.
The Collagen word takes its origin from the Greek word meaning glue.
Its main role in the human body is to provide structure to the body's organs and act as glue between human cells.
That's why a lower value of collagen in the body can cause the skin to lose its shape as well as loosen cartilage and tendons, which makes them more vulnerable to injuries.
Collagen is found naturally in the human body, mostly in the cartilage between bones, skin, tendons, and teeth.
It is known to be the most abundant protein made up of amino acids.
It has been reported that the human body can use collagen supplements rich in these amino acids to rebuild and protect the bone cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Curcumin
Turmeric has been the most popular naturally occurring root that has anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin is the active ingredient of it, which is known for decreasing swelling and tenderness in joints of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
Clinical trials have shown that turmeric supplements are responsible for long-term improvement in pain and functioning of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients.
3. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is a chemical that is found naturally in animals, humans as well as some plants. For ages, people have been using it to treat arthritis.
This can be produced artificially in labs, too, where it is often combined with other supplements to increase its effectiveness.
Many pieces of evidence have shown their role in improving general functional wellbeing in people with osteoarthritis and relief in joint pain and swelling as well.
4. S-Adenosyl-Methionine
S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe) is produced naturally in the human body.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps stimulate cartilage growth.
It acts as a pain reliever that impacts neurotransmitters which lowers the perception of pain.
It is well-known for its efficacy as anti-inflammatory and pain relief with prolonged benefits and fewer side effects.
5. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
As a part of the comprehensive treatment plan for patients having osteoarthritis in the knees or spine, these nutritional supplements can be used to cure moderate-to-severe pain.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are the substances that are found in human cartilage.
Therefore, clinical studies suggest taking these supplements that is a mix of glucosamine and chondroitin to rebuild worn-out cartilage in arthritic joints.
But only take them by consulting your health care expert.
6. Vitamin D
Many studies have shown that people who have lower values of vitamin D can be more vulnerable to arthritis, including RA, OA, autoimmune and psoriatic.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in absorbing calcium in human bones, which is essential for bone health and strength.
Food is the best source of vitamin D and calcium; however, getting vitamin D naturally from the sun or in the form of supplements is necessary to prevent arthritis development and to avoid alleviated symptoms.
Other Topics to Consider
7. Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)
This supplement is derived from naturally occurring vegetables, avocado, and soybeans.
They play a vital role in blocking pro-inflammatory chemicals and help in reducing synovial cell deterioration.
Hence results in normal regeneration of human connective cells.
They are best for pain and stiffness in the knee and hip due to OA, reducing the need to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
8. Fish Oil
We are all well aware of the miraculous benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, the primary component in fish oil.
It is a kind of healthy fat that the human body needs to prevent chronic inflammation and reduce pain in swollen joints and morning stiffness in patients having rheumatoid arthritis.
You can take 206grams of fish oil in one day.
Taking more than 3grams is not considered safe as it is linked with the risk of bleeding.
9. Omega 6 Fatty Acid GLA
GLA is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that is converted into an anti-inflammatory chemical naturally by the human body.
Research done on its use for patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed significant improvement in the stiff and painful joints as well as grip strength.
According to one study, taking gamma-linolenic acid with fish oil can considerably lower the need for conventional pain relief drugs.
10. Ginger
Ginger is another blessing of nature that has shown its result in relieving pain and inflammation in arthritis patients.
Gingerol is the main bioactive ingredient, making ginger an excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant that helps patients who use ginger for OA effective in relieving joint pain and disability.
11. Evening primrose
Evening primrose is a kind of natural herbal medicine that is used for various conditions, including RA treatment.
This wildflower is rich in GLA fatty acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
540 mg of primrose oil is enough for everyday intake for patients having arthritis.
Many clinical trials have shown that combining evening primrose with fish oil supplements can increase its effectiveness and benefits.
11. Celery Seeds
Celery seed extractions have been used extensively for their biological and chemical properties that have been used as natural remedies for acute and chronic painful or inflammatory conditions.
It has been in use for years for treating arthritis and gout and has proved to be as effective as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Celery seeds have different compounds than celery vegetables that can be helpful for stiffness, muscular pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Therefore consuming celery seed or supplements made out of it can be beneficial for many arthritis patients.
Bottom Line
Having a good understanding of your body condition and the complete test result of your vitamins and mineral values is a must before undergoing any treatment.
The deficiency of vitamins, especially vitamin D, can lead to arthritis, and curing this is not possible.
And we all know that care is better than cure, so keep taking nutrient-dense food, and to further keep your bones and joints strong, take desired supplements as prescribed by your health service provider.