9 Ways To Treat Arthritis in Hands

There are two main forms of arthritis in hands: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, immune system related. Osteoarthritis is more to wear and tear of the cartilage. Both are chronic degenerative and can affect daily routine. Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis affect the young as well as the old– it is not just an old person’s disease. Below are home remedies that might help ease the discomfort and get the fingers moving again.

# Hot Pack

In most cases, warmth helps the blood rush to the joints, allowing some relief from stiffness. Soak hands in warm water or use a warm towel to heat up the hands. If neither is available, rub those palms together to create some heat. When the hot pack does not work, try the cold compress, and vice versa.

# Cold Compress

When your arthritis symptoms hurt, it best to cool down the hands. Wrap a bag of ice with a towel and apply it onto sore fingers– not more than twenty minutes. You can alternatively soak the sore hands in cold water filled with some ice. Ice can help lessen the pain by constricting blood vessels. However, leaving your hands in the cold for too long may cause fingers to stiffen up and worsen the situation.

# Epsom Salt

Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which is a relaxant. Using Epsom salt relaxes the nerves, lesser stiffness, and reduces pain. Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak the hands for fifteen minutes. It also works wonders for all aches and pains.

# Massage

You can slowly and gently massage your hands and fingers daily to stimulate blood circulation. If it hurts too much initially, get someone at home to do it for you until you can do it yourself. Massage techniques like massage balls you can twirl around your hands are useful to roll your palms and fingers around for self-massage.

# Exercise

Big and wide movements can help the blood circulate, which lessens the stiffness with osteoarthritis. Light exercise helps prevent more damage to the joints, as non-use may worsen symptoms of arthritis.

# Comfrey

Make a poultice by blending comfrey root, and apply to painful joints. You can also use aerial parts like the leaves for similar effect.

# Olive Oil

Oleocanthal in olive oil is a great anti-inflammatory, and olive oil is a great massage oil as it dissolves quickly and leaves no residue. Use extra virgin olive oil to get the most oleocanthal component, not only as massage but also as a moisturizer.

# Castor Oil

Ricinoleic acid in castor oil can stop the pain. Aside from being anti-inflammatory, castor oil is also a good massage oil as it can absorb quickly and leaves no residue. Massage your hands with this oil as often as needed to get the best results.

# Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin in cayenne pepper is warming, and stimulates Substance P: a neuropeptide thought to be related to pain transmission. You can dissolve cayenne pepper into olive oil or castor oil for quick relief while waiting for the latter to work. Alternatively, you can buy capsaicin creams from stores.