7 Most Effective Ways to Cure Arthritis in Women
Arthritis is a rheumatic autoimmune disease that attacks joints in the feet, hands, hips, knees, and sometimes the back, causing inflammation and pain. It is the most prevalent rheumatic condition among US adults, with one statistical report showing that one in four Americans above 18 years has some form of arthritis.
The disease has several causes, including gender. Women’s estrogen levels drop after menopause, yet the hormone helps reduce inflammation. Consequently, one report shows that more women than men develop arthritis as they age. While arthritis-induced joint pain is excruciating and can limit mobility, it is manageable using the remedies below.
1. THCA Diamonds
Cannabis cannabinoids have a long list of therapeutic benefits, including pain and inflammation relief. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the latest sensation in the cannabis cannabinoid industry with inflammation and analgesic (pain-relieving properties), thca diamonds refer to crystallized THCA extract and are a potentially effective arthritis remedy for women.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the precursor to delta-9 THC (more popular as THC), the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It occurs primarily in raw or live cannabis.
However, unlike delta-9 THC, THCA diamonds are non-psychoactive. Delta-9 THC induces psychoactivity by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid (ECS) system receptors in the brain.
In contrast, THCA has a different chemical structure from delta-9 THC and features a carboxylic group on the ninth molecule where delta-9 THC’s double bond should appear. However, a heating reaction breaks down the carboxylic bond, converting THCA into delta-9 THC.
According to one study, delta-9 THC, while psychoactive, has proven anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, more potent than some analgesic drugs, like morphine. The study highlights THC as a potential ancillary treatment for fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis management. So, why not take delta-9 THC instead of using a dab ring to convert THCA diamonds into delta-9 THC?
THCA diamonds are a pristine isolate, free of even cannabis terpenes. Therefore, using heat to convert the cannabinoid product into delta-9 THC creates the purest and most potent THC form. THCA diamonds generate 99.9% pure THC with outstanding analgesic and antiinflammation properties.
However, ensure you have the THC tolerance to match this product before using it. Also, ensure that delta-9 THC products are legal in your jurisdiction or under its medical marijuana program.
2. Maintain Optimum Body Weight
Besides gender, being overweight or obese is a major risk factor and arthritis root cause among women. According to one report on arthritis prevalence, being 10lbs overweight puts an additional 15lbs-50lbs pressure on your knees. Besides excessive pressure against your knees and other joints, the report also shows that excess body fat accelerates cartilage loss, causing inflammation.
Moreover, one statistical report shows that 27.5% of American women are overweight or obese. Therefore, taking practical steps to lose excess body weight and body fat or prevent weight gain should help overweight and obese women with arthritis fight the disease.
Physical exercise is the most effective and sustainable weight loss strategy for most people, including women diagnosed with arthritis. However, exercise is dicey among people with arthritis because high-impact exercises can exacerbate rather than cure the condition.
Therefore, consider low-impact exercises like swimming and other water exercises. Water exercises are intensive, helping you to burn calories, but the water’s buoyancy cushions your joints against harmful pressure. Nonetheless, consult a doctor or a certified physical therapist on the ideal and safe weight loss exercises to adopt when diagnosed with arthritis.
3. Stay Hydrated
Bone cartilage erosion resulting from an overactive immune system (hence why arthritis is an autoimmune disease) and excessive fat cause inflammation. However, proper hydration helps tackle arthritis-induced inflammation, as the consumed water lubricates the bone joints in the affected area. Moreover, one study shows that drinking enough water helps flush out inflammation-inducing toxins.
Therefore, ensure you meet the recommended water dietary intake and consume 2-3 liters daily to keep arthritis in check. Second, while water is the primary hydration agent, other healthy fluids like teas, fresh juice, smoothies, and milk count.
4. Medical Treatment
Commencing a course of treatment after an arthritis diagnosis should also help manage the condition. Multiple certified primary arthritis treatments exist, but medication is the most popular.
Doctors treat arthritis by prescribing medications called COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors are oral drugs ( available in pill or liquid form) that induce anti-inflammation effects. They function by curbing the enzymes that produce prostaglandins or chemicals that cause inflammation.
A COX-2 inhibitor kicks in within an hour post-consumption but has cumulative effects. Therefore, you must take several doses over several days to feel its full anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Also, although the FDA approves various COX-2 inhibitors for treating arthritis, your doctor must examine your medical history to determine whether you are a viable candidate for specific drugs. COX-2 inhibitors may have various side effects, including gastronomical tract problems like bloating, diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the said symptoms.
Besides oral medication, one report identifies joint immobilization as a viable treatment for various arthritis types. Therefore, consult your doctor on the available primary treatment options and begin treatment accordingly.
5. Practise Tai Chi
Tai Chis is a series of stretching exercises featuring gentle, fluid movements that are easy for women with arthritis-induced immobility problems can execute. One study on Tai Chi for Treating osteoarthritis knees yielded positive results.
The study’s participants reported reduced pain, improved physical functions, and lower depressive symptoms after 12 weeks of Tai Chi classes. Moreover, the researchers received zero adverse events reports.
6. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy entails applying pressure using various techniques to manipulate soft tissue and increase blood flow to various areas. It alleviates muscle tension around affected joints and improves blood circulation to the affected area.
According to one study, arthritis-induced inflammation reduces oxygen circulation to the inflamed area, causing joint hypoxia. However, massage therapy counters joint hypoxia.
Nonetheless, arthritis has no cookie-cutter remedies. Therefore, consult a certified massage therapist or physical therapist on the ideal massage type for your arthritis.
7. Consider Dietary Modifications
Arthritis’s primary symptom is inflammation. Therefore, one expert review recommends adding foods with anti-inflammatory properties to your diet. It recommends adopting a diet rich in fatty fish, leafy greens, olive oil, green tea, garlic, and berries.
Conclusion:
Arthritis is a challenging health condition, causing many women excruciating pain. However, you can manage the condition and prevent it from taking over your life by adopting one or a combination of the tips highlighted above.