Six effective home remedies for treating arthritis for elderly patients

Arthritis is mainly observed in elderly persons more than the other section of the population of any country. Countries like India vigorously feel the need for treating arthritis for elderly patients. Doctors are assuming that 60 million active cases of osteoarthritis will be seen within 2025 in India. There is enough proof that home remedies can also be effective in treating arthritis for elderly patients in India and in other parts of the world. Check this guide for arthritis treatment at home.

6 effective home remedies for elderly arthritis patients

Various procedures for treating arthritis for elderly patients are availablein India and other countries. We can rely on remedies of arthritis treatment at home, which can reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness and other effective causes of Arthritis.

           1.   Relying on natural Ayurvedic therapy

Ayurvedic therapies for treating arthritis for elderly patients include

●     Boswellia Essential oil (6-7 drops) which is also known as Indian frankincense oil by mixing it with coconut oil. Use it 2-3 times in a day for 5 minutes. It helps to reduce the cartilage tissue’s breakdown that prevents the joint swelling.

●     Alfalfa seeds are also used in Ayurveda therapy arthritis treatment at home. The elderly persons can feel relief from the joint pains within two weeks after having 4-5 cups of alfalfa seeds with hot water daily. 

●     The Ayurveda experts in India also suggest the benefits of herbs like Nirgundi, Dashmool, Ginger, Eucalyptus as a better arthritis treatment at home for elderly persons.

2.   Yoga

Yoga is a proven technique for treating arthritis for elderly patients not only in India but around the globe. Over 40 % of adults within the age group of 50 to 75 are suffering from knee pain. The percentage is higher females than males in India. The data of the US National Institute of Health proves the benefits of Yoga as a non-pharmacological treatment.

●     Some cooling pranayama like sitali, sadanta, and sitkari or Some breathing pranayama like Nadisuddhi or Alternate breathing, Bhastrika or bellows breathing is useful.

●     It also includes some of the kriya's mindfulness meditation and sitting yoga postures for treating arthritis for elderly patients.

3.   Physiotherapy for elderly persons

Many private nursing homes and hospitals provide physiotherapy for elderly patients at home facilities for treating arthritis for elderly patients in India. WHO also recognizes the studies of WOMAC’s (Western Ontario and Mcmaster Universities) data that show the significant advantages of home-based physiotherapy to treat the elderly male and female patients.

●     It includes Hydrotherapy andelectrotherapy.

●     Hand-on exercises and massages

●     Elderly arthritis patients are provided with some walking aids.

●     Physiotherapist may also rely on acupuncture and thermotherapy arthritis treatment at home.

4.   Therapy of Heat and Cold

Thecold and heattherapy is another alternativeforarthritis treatment at home for the elderly persons. Heat treatment helps to boost the blood circulation in the arthritis patients, which can relax muscle stiffness. On the other hand, cold treatment helps to reduce the swelling and numbs.

●     A hot shower in the morning to reduce muscle stiffness.

●     Paraffin wax or a heating pad can be applied in the aching joints of elderly patients.

●     The cold treatment should be done within a tenure of 20 minutes. The painful joint areas can be wrapped with an ice bag. Elderly patients can submerge their affected body parts in ice water as well. 

5.   Proper diet and weight maintenance for treating arthritis for elderly patients

A proper diet is beneficial for treating arthritis for elderly patients at home. Here is a diet chart that should be included in arthritis treatment at home.

●     Rheumatoid arthritis can take a vitamin D rich diet and sunlight.

●     3-4 spoons of Epsom salt containing a high quantity of magnesium salt can also be a good option.

●     It is essential to have an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet like the cold-water fish, tuna, sardines, and nuts, seeds that reduce the rate of joint inflammation.

●     A diet that contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin can also beconsidered.

6.   Relying on some gentle exercises

There are various gentle arthritis exercises at home, which can be beneficial for treating arthritis for elderly patients. A few examples are listed below:

●     Elderly patients can rely on the fist close technique/wrist-bending techniquesfor 5 to 10 seconds

●     Step-up and sitting stretches are helpful for the hips and knees arthritis pain.

●     The ankle circle exercise and swimming techniques are very helpful for arthritis patients.

●     The elderly person can take a morning walk for 20 to 30 minutes to boost the blood circulation in their body.

To Wrap Up

The above non-pharmaceutical proven remedies can be used for arthritis treatment at home. As per the medical studies there are almost 100 types of arthritis that requires proper diagnosis and medication.However, as a precaution it is advisableto consult a professional arthritis doctor before applying any of these remedies for treating arthritis for elderly patients.