Relieve Joint Pains Caused By Arthritis This Christmas By Having This Treat

Arthritis is a catch-all term for a series of painful conditions that cause tenderness and swelling of one or more joints. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two of the most common types of arthritis.

The Joints Affected

Osteoarthritis usually affects the knees, spine, hips, and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, oftentimes affects the wrists, hands, and feet.

While there is no cure for this painful condition, there are some lifestyle interventions that have been proven to alleviate the symptoms. Among these is consuming a well-known Christmas treat.

A Delicious Treatment

A key ingredient of the gingerbread man can help alleviate arthritis symptoms. Several studies have shown ginger extract helps a lot in alleviating joint pains caused by arthritis.

One prominent research revealed that ginger extract has the same efficacy as ibuprofen in the first treatment period. Another study also found that Echinacea and ginger supplements can reduce pain and inflammation after knee surgery. Echinacea is a well-known herb that is often taken to treat colds and flu. Researchers also discovered that highly concentrated doses of ginger extracts are very effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

The Study

The research involved volunteers who are experiencing moderate-to-severe knee pain. After taking ginger extracts, the volunteers said they felt lesser pain in their knees upon standing and after walking.

An animal study also revealed ginger could help relieve joint pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The findings of the researchers were further strengthened by another research which found ginger to be very effective in relieving human muscle pain due to an exercise-induced injury.

Volunteers who ingested at least two grams of raw or heated ginger reported the pain they felt somewhat lessened. The inflammation was also reduced. The volunteers applied ginger extract three times a day for twelve weeks, and during this time, they report having reduced levels of pain.

Researchers say that, while raw and heated gingers are equally helpful in alleviating joint pains, heat-treated ginger is believed to have a stronger effect. The study’s findings also suggest applying a ginger-laced gel or cream directly to the affected area can also alleviate the painful symptoms. In many studies, researchers say ginger extracts can greatly improve osteoarthritis in the knees when it is applied topically.