Health

Which essential oils are good for arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition where there is single or many joints inflammation. Arthritis or joint inflammation is mostly characterized by joint pain. Joint pain may involve one or multiple joints. Single joint pain is most likely acute in onset. Acute single joint pain is usually caused by local structures injury. Local structures that might be injured in cases of single joint pain are ligaments, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Multiple joint pain or polyarticular pain is mostly a chronic condition. Certain multiple joints pain are self-limiting, while some can be life-threatening. Joint pain can be caused by many reasons and underlying issues. Each of them has a different treatment approach. Joint pain can be due to many types of arthritis or other diseases. It is good to know the causes of joint pain as you will not only think it is always due to arthritis and start treating it by yourselves. This is not safe! Oils for arthritis pain or to be specific the essential oils are optional as they sometimes can ease your pain.

  Essential oils are derived from herbs, plants, and flowers. Some essential oils can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis including swelling. The following are the top essential oils which are used in cases of arthritis and joint pain:

  • Ginger essential oils
  • Turmeric essential oils
  • Frankincense essential oils
  • Myrrh essential oils
  • Orange essential oils

  The examples of multiple joints pain are:

  • Polyarthritis
  • Viral arthritis
  • Reactive arthritis

  Polyarthritis is multiple joint inflammations. The example of polyarthritis are:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Lyme disease
  • Viral infection
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  The following are the viruses that may cause viral arthritis:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Epstein-Barr
  • Parvovirus

  History taking, physical examination, and investigations are required to detect the underlying causes. This is important to ensure the right treatment is given to you. The investigations that can be done are:

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • C-reactive protein level
  • Antibody tests
  • Antinuclear antibody test
  • Rheumatoid factor detection
  • Anti-CCP antibody test
  • Uric acid level
  • Synovial fluid analysis
  • Plain x-ray
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Ultrasound
  • Tissue biopsy

  Physical therapy, medications, surgeries, and alternative treatments are available to help you deal with joint pain. An example of alternative treatment is the use of supplements. The supplements available are:

  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are the components of our cartilage. Research has shown that the intake of glucosamine or chondroitin can reduce joint pain and improve the function of the affected joint. The help of physical therapists is also important. They can help you strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, stabilize the affected joint, and improve the range of motion. Physical therapists may also use ultrasound, cold therapy, heat therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation to help you recover.

Weight reduction is also important in removing unnecessary load to your joints. Cardio exercise, strength exercise, and diet plan can help you lose some weight. Certain medications like Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can ease your pain. They are also known as painkillers. Muscle relaxants are sometimes used to treat muscle spasm in joint pain. Oils for arthritis pain should also be considered in your effort to recover from arthritis.