Arthritis Signs and Symptoms That Can Affect Your Quality of Life

Arthritis is a term used for covering over 100 different medical conditions, all of them having in common the fact that they are affecting the joints. The most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid, osteoarthritis arthritis and gout. The causes of this disease differ from individual to individual and so are the symptoms. Arthritis symptoms also vary depending on the type of arthritis. The patient's medical history and overall health condition also determine the severity of the symptoms. As a general symptom, arthritis is affecting one's capability of performing movements, including simple movements that are strongly connecting with every day activities, like turning a tap or bending over.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, so it aggravates with time. It starts with symptoms like pain and stiffness of a single joint, usually located in the knee or fingers. Sufferers first notice the pain during their sleep. Joint inflammation also leads to symptoms like swelling, redness and heat. If ignored, the condition gets worse and it can even lead to total immobility of the patients. Symptoms of osteoarthritis also include the development of lumpy bones, usually in the knuckles of the hands. Arthritis symptoms are usually more severe in the morning and, once the sufferers start moving around, they become milder. Extended periods of physical inactivity also worsen the symptoms.

In the attempt of getting some relief from the arthritis symptoms, many patients have noticed that natural remedies have the ability of reducing the pain. There are even herbs containing powerful anti-inflammatory substances, with similar action to those of drugs. Massage with essential oils is having a great effect on diminishing the stiffness of the joints and reducing the pain. Lavender and rosemary oil are recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile oil has the same properties and it's also a mild analgesic. Juniper oil, lemon oil and cypress oil improve the blood circulation and thus help the functioning of the joints which are properly nourished through the blood flow. Warm olive oil and castor oil also have good effects on arthritis sufferers.

Herbal supplements are another effective method of coping with arthritis. Some herbal extract contain compounds that reduce inflammation and eliminate the pain. Ginger extract for instance is very helpful in doses of 6 up to 50 grams a day. Celery, angelica, licorice, black cohosh or devil's claw are other herbs with positive impact on arthritis symptoms. Herbal remedies need time before becoming affective and they don't provide overnight results. With patience and determination, they lead to the improvement of the health condition without the side effects of artificial drugs.