9 Tricks to Soothe Arthritis-Related Pain

Gelatin for Joint Pain

It sounds crazy, but eating Jell-O every day just might help reduce arthritis pain! Gelatin contains collagen, which is thought to strengthen bones and joints. Try incorporating the tasty treat into your diet for a few months and see if those creaky joints start moving more smoothly.

Try Fish Oil

Studies have shown that fish oil can help relieve the stiffness caused by arthritis, so incorporate more fish like salmon and sardines into your diet. In addition, foods rich in omega-3 like flaxseeds and nuts can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Homemade Heating Pad

There’s no need to spend money on a heating pad, when you can easily make one instead! Just add uncooked, long-grain rice to a sock and tie it shut. Whenever you need a little heat on those aching joints, stick it in the microwave on high for one to two minutes, and you’ll have soothing warmth. To add a little scent to the pillow, put a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the rice.

Build Strength with Binder Clips

Take a medium-sized binder clip and push back the wings with your thumb and index finger. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then move on to each finger of each hand. Do this a few times a day and it should help your grip.

Oatmeal

Just mix two cups of oatmeal with one cup of water, warm the mixture in the microwave, and apply to the affected area.

Olives

People who eat the most olive oil and cooked vegetables are about 75 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who eat the fewest servings. So use olive oil in your cooking, and consider buying some gourmet extra virgin olive oil that you can mix with pasta and eat as-is.

Tennis Ball Trick

Have trouble holding onto your fork or your toothbrush? Here’s a silly-looking—but effective—solution. Cut a small slit in a tennis ball, and insert the end of your utensil. The ball makes these thin objects much easier for arthritic hands to grip.

Hot Shower

Make exercising with arthritis a little easier by taking a hot shower before you start. That way, you’ll loosen up your muscles and joints, so that you’ll be more comfortable during your workout—and less likely to have pain afterward!

Ginger

To soothe achy joints, try some ginger tea. Soak a washcloth in a cup of hot ginger tea, wring out the excess liquid, and apply the wet cloth directly to the joint. Ginger improves blood circulation, and the heat will help the joint move with less pain.

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