For many osteoarthritis patients, surgical treatment requires courage, and long-term medication also worries about side effects.

Home remedies and natural treatments may help relieve pain, and some may even prevent the condition from progressing.

Warm reminder: If you are undergoing some kind of treatment, home remedies cannot replace it. In addition, before you perform the following home remedies, it is best to consult your doctor and choose the best methods based on your individual situation.

Hot and cold compresses

When pain occurs, hot or cold compresses can be very useful without the side effects of medications. Hot compresses help with stiff joints, while cold compresses are best for treating joint pain.

Epsom salt foot bath

Pour half a cup of Epsom salts into a small basin and add enough warm water (about 39 degrees) to cover your ankles. Soak your feet for 30-60 minutes. Epsom salts are a good source of magnesium and help regulate the body’s pH levels. Because certain inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, are caused by high acid levels in the body.

Topical ointments and creams

If you don’t want to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen orally, you can use topical ointments or creams that contain aspirin or analgesics to numb the joints. There are many such products available at your hospital or pharmacy. Another topical home remedy is capsaicin. Capsaicin is a compound made from chili peppers. It works best when applied to painful joints three to four times a day. To avoid accidental contact with eyes, wash your hands after each use.

Braces and Protective Gear

The functions of braces and protectors are to protect joints, increase stability, reduce joint load, correct deformities, and relieve pain. The most typical one is the knee brace, but please follow the doctor’s advice when choosing:

1. Load-reducing brace: Made of injection molding and foam padding, with metal support to prevent knee swaying and reduce internal and external pressure on the knee.

2. Hinge knee brace: There is a hole in the middle to expose the kneecap, and the upper and lower straps are used to fix it. There are “hinge” structures on both sides of the kneecap to assist movement and walking.

3. Casing protector: similar to ordinary knee pads, cheaper but not as effective as the former.

In addition to home remedies, osteoarthritis can also be improved through diet.

Green Tea: Anti-Inflammatory Drink

Green tea contains polyphenols. These compounds help reduce inflammation and reduce the need for medication. One arthritis study found that green tea increased the protection of cartilage.

Ginger: Pain reliever

Ginger can also reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis. According to a 2015 study on osteoarthritis, long-term consumption of ginger may even reduce the risk of disability from osteoarthritis. If you find ginger too bitter, try ginger tea.

Bone and joint pain, afraid of surgery and afraid of taking medicine, try these 4 treatments

Turmeric (curcumin): treats inflammation, pain, and stiffness

Although both belong to the ginger family, turmeric and ginger have different effects. Turmeric can fight inflammatory compounds and help reduce stiffness during osteoarthritis attacks. It is best to consult a doctor before taking turmeric, as other foods may be needed to maximize the activity of turmeric.

These foods may also help: broccoli, citrus fruits, tuna, salmon, mackerel, nuts, and low-fat dairy products.

At present, osteoarthritis is still a gradually degenerative and irreversible disease. Therefore, the treatment of osteoarthritis generally focuses on controlling the progression of the lesion. Although home remedies may provide some improvement, when a sudden attack occurs or the condition worsens, timely medical treatment should be the only option.