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Image via WikipediaIf you get together with seven of your friends, chances are good that at least one of you will have (or will develop in your lifetime) some form of arthritis. And not everyone wants to use pharmaceuticals. So, many people look for alternative arthritis treatment methods, such as Devil’s claw (sometimes misspelled as “devils claw”), massage, vitamins or any of the other methods mentioned below.

Think you’re too young? Age doesn’t matter; one of the most popular misconceptions about arthritis is that it’s an “old person’s disease.” Think it only affects the opposite sex? Arthritis is not gender-specific. In fact, arthritis — a disease characterized by pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints — can affect people of any gender and any age, from young children to the elderly.

Although there are over 100 types of arthritis (such as gout, fibromyalgia and lupus), osteoarthritis is the most common. It’s a condition in which there is a breakdown of the plastic-like cartilage on the end of bone joints in the hands, hips, knees and back. Without that protective cushion, bones rub against bones, which ultimately results in pain, swelling and even deformity. The pain and disability caused by arthritis can prevent you from performing everyday activities, and the accompanying fatigue and stress make you vulnerable to other illness.

Unfortunately, no treatment has yet been found that will successfully cure arthritis. Instead, treatment is aimed at reducing pain and discomfort and preventing further disability. Many people turn to alternative remedies to provide relief of symptoms, and there are a number of different modalities available.

Traditional Chinese medicine
Acupuncture has practiced for more than 2500 years, and has been scientifically proven to alleviate pain. According to practitioners, pain and illness result when the energy flow in your body is disrupted. Insertion of acupuncture needles is intended to stimulate points along the energy channels, which balances the flow and restores health.

Acupressure is a technique that is similar to acupuncture but it involves the use of fingertip pressure rather than needles. The practitioner presses on the tender areas to disperse the build-up of lactic acid, which then helps relieve pain.

Massage therapy
Massage is an ancient form of pain management, dating back more than 3000 years. Massage can involve application of light strokes, firm squeezing, or “percussion” (using the hands to strike the muscles), but regardless of the type of massage, it can help you relax and allow the blood to flow naturally through your body, which then alleviates pain.

Reflexology is another type of massage, and is based on the idea that the muscles and organs of the body are affected by specific areas of the feet. When pressure is applied to certain areas on the soles of the feet, other areas of the body relax.

Flotation therapy
Flotation tanks are sometimes used to treat the pain of arthritis. Patients float in a pool filled with Epsom salts. Epsom salts have been documented to relieve pain, in part, by stimulating production of endorphins (the “feel good” substances produced in the brain).

Heat treatment/cold treatment
Heat treatment — in the form of a hot bath, hot pack, or a heating pad — is one of the oldest known treatments for arthritis. This therapy sends soothing heat to the small joints in the hands or feet. Cold, wet compresses or ice packs applied to the painful area are often more effective than heat for soothing sharp, intense pain. Just remember not to use cold treatment for more than 20 minutes at a time — excessive cold can damage the skin.

TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrical stimulation of the nerves to block pain signals to the brain. Electrodes are placed on the skin and low-level electrical current produces a slight tingling sensation. TENS seems to work best when pain flares in a specific area.

Diet
Adjusting your diet can often help with arthritis symptoms. Foods in the deadly nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants) are particularly likely to worsen arthritis symptoms, so you might want to eliminate them from your diet. Decreasing animal products (except fish), and increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grains may also be helpful.

Supplements
Glucosamine sulfate is available as a nutritional supplement. Glucosamine in its natural form is created in the body from sugar (glucose), and it plays a major role in the manufacture and maintenance of cartilage. It’s been shown to not only stimulate the repair of cartilage, but to also inhibit the enzymes that break down this connective tissue. Taking a glucosamine supplement can relieve pain and aid the healing of aching joints.

Because the body naturally has its own mechanisms for rebuilding joints and connective tissue, making sure your body is provided with the optimal levels of essential nutrients will help it do its job. Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements lessen joint tenderness, swelling and stiffness. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals also help to manage arthritis. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamins D and E are all important to the development and maintenance of healthy cartilage, as are calcium and magnesium. Additionally, herbal supplements may provide relief for some arthritis sufferers. Devil’s claw (devils claw), boswellia, evening primrose, and borage often ease joint pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties, and white willow is a centuries-old remedy for pain.

The final answer
As with any health treatment, be critical when trying an alternative therapy. Arthritis is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions, and particular therapies may be more or less effective on any given day — just remember not to expect a “cure.” Arthritis is a lifelong process, but alternative arthritis therapies can help you regain control of your life.

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