Arthritis in the hands is the most common type of arthritis. This arthritis occurs due to changes in the joint cartilage that support bone structure. Since we use our hands and fingers for various activities, arthritis in the hands can cause discomfort and concern. Swelling of the fingers, joint inflammation, stiffness, along with pain, are some symptoms of arthritis.
Thanks to advances in medicine, there are many methods for treating various symptoms of arthritis. Alongside medications, you can use several simple yet highly effective home remedies to improve the condition of your fingers and hands. Here are 10 home remedies for treating arthritis in the hands:
Honey and Cinnamon:
The mixture of honey and cinnamon is a good remedy for treating arthritis in the hands, thanks to their healing properties. Honey has antiseptic properties, while cinnamon has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Using a mixture of honey and cinnamon helps relax stiffness in the body’s knuckle muscles. Individuals suffering from arthritis in the fingers should apply a mixture of one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily. It’s preferable to consume this mixture early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is an excellent remedy for treating arthritis in the hands. There’s a compound called oleocanthal present in olive oil, which helps prevent inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Therefore, cooking with olive oil helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Additionally, you can use olive oil for hand and finger massages. Make a mixture of warm olive oil and lavender oil, and gently massage your hands to relieve discomfort and inflammation.
Epsom Salt:
Epsom salt is a rich source of magnesium, which helps improve oxygen flow and prevents artery clots. Daily hand baths in warm water with added Epsom salt for half an hour can reduce inflammation and provide relief from muscle and joint pain. You can use a hand bath with a mixture of two handfuls of Epsom salt, a handful of rock salt, fennel oil, juniper oil, and warm water. Keep your hands in this mixture for fifteen minutes. This remedy also helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Potato:
Potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that help treat arthritis in the hands. Prepare potato juice from several medium-sized potatoes. To do this, slice the potatoes thinly, including the skin, and then soak them in cold water overnight. Strain the solution the next morning and drink the water on an empty stomach. By using potato juice daily, you’ll experience relief from pain, and your joints will become more flexible. You can also extract juice from medium-sized potatoes, dilute it with a small amount of water, and then drink it. This remedy is not suitable for diabetics.
Castor Oil:
Castor oil has powerful medicinal and healing properties. The medicinal component known as ricinoleic acid present in castor oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Therefore, castor oil helps relieve pain from arthritis. Take castor oil, apply it to the affected area, and gently massage twice a day. You can also boil two tablespoons of castor oil and add it to a glass of fresh orange juice. Drink this juice daily before meals for breakfast, and within a few weeks, you’ll notice an improvement in your condition.
Garlic:
One of the home remedies for treating arthritis in the hands is garlic. It has anti-inflammatory properties that significantly help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in the hands. Garlic contains allicin, a substance that helps the body suppress the growth and reproduction of microorganisms that worsen arthritis symptoms. It’s recommended to consume garlic raw or cooked according to individual preferences. You can prepare a hand massage mixture. Take a few cloves of garlic and warm them with a small amount of mustard oil. Cool to room temperature and gently massage your fingers. Repeat this procedure several times a day for quick relief.
Hot Water
To relieve joint pain in the fingers caused by arthritis, use warm compresses. A warm compress stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles and joints, and reduces stiffness. Soak a towel in hot water, wring it out, and apply it to your hands and fingers. Repeat this process several times a day. Applying warm compresses to affected hand joints promotes improved movement of the wrists and fingers. For better results, combine warm compresses with gentle finger exercises.
Ice Pack
Cold therapy is suitable for people suffering from arthritis in the fingers. You can use ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables for this purpose. Place an ice pack on the affected area for a few seconds, then repeat the process. Apply the cold compress to only one or two joints at a time. To prevent frostbite, apply the ice pack through a thin towel. Regular application of such a compress reduces irritation and soreness. However, keep in mind that different people may react differently to cold therapy.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another popular ingredient that can be used to treat arthritis in the fingers due to its anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time, turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which help kill bacteria that cause arthritis. Add a teaspoon of turmeric and a little honey to a glass of warm milk, and drink it. You can also mix turmeric powder with warm water and drink it daily to relieve arthritis symptoms. Prepare a paste by combining a few drops of mustard oil with one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply this paste to swollen fingers for about half an hour, then rinse with warm water. This remedy will provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in the treatment of arthritis in the fingers, relieving pain and stiffness. Try to drink a glass of warm water mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey every day. You can prepare a healing mixture by heating apple cider vinegar and adding a small amount of cayenne pepper. Apply the warm mixture to painful joints for ten minutes. Soon you’ll experience relief from pain and stiffness.
In conclusion, if you don’t know how to treat arthritis in your fingers, try one of the 10 home remedies listed above, but remember to follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations. Don’t neglect physical exercises to enjoy free movement of your fingers.
