For people who suffer from arthritis, dependable pain relief is a vital concern. The agonizing sensations of simply walking up the stairs are discouraging and can drive patients into depression. When someone cannot function properly, their body is not in balance and will often become victims of their pain, forcing them to seek alternatives. These people may have tried traditional medications without success. They are often not eligible for surgery and as a result, they will seek relief through natural herbal remedies or supplements, because of the increasing cost of prescription medication.

Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a physician. However, with a doctors approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis.

A popular alternative to medication for pain relief is acupuncture. Although the pain-relieving effects may be temporary, these sessions can be very beneficial for those who find that drugs or supplements are insufficient or have unacceptable side effects.

Cayenne Cream - apply the cayenne cream to painful areas. Cayenne peppers contain an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect. This also causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin, and inhibits the bodys production of substance P which is heavily involved the relaying signals of pain to the brain. Apply the cream two to three times per day for at least one week before making a decision as to whether or not the cream is helping to reduce arthritis pain.

It's understandable that many people experiencing pain and aching in a joint because of osteoarthritis reach for the aspirin or another conventional pain reliever. The problem is, these medications can be rough on your stomach, and they do nothing to slow the progress of your arthritis. Even the new COX-2 inhibitor drugs do not act to preserve the joint. [From the doctors of WholeHealthMD].

On the contrary, many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patients lost cartilage. However, before adding any to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. Note that dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. (Food and Drug Administration) I.E. do not need to be approved by them, and can include any of the following: plants, fats, proteins and animal organs and tissues as well as herbs, minerals and vitamins.

So some supplements may be fine for arthritic patients, however some may not be. Note also that manufacturers may very well promote that their products work great, but they do not have to use standardized ingredients or recipes, disclose side effects that have been reported, nor prove that the products are indeed effective. Since supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." So use caution.

The most popular dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers are chondroitin, fish oil and glucosamine. Chondroitin can draw fluid into the cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability and weight control, as more weight equals more joint pressure. Fish oils help with controlling inflammation in the body. And recent studies have shown that the cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is effective for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. Whether or not it can actually reverse the disease is still unclear. In some instances, glucosamine can be used in conjunction with MSM, a substance that appears to slow down the degeneration but is not yet proven and approved.

In a nutshell:

Chondroitin - Helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.

Ginger Ginger is an antioxidant that acts as an inflammatory with no major side effects.

Glucosamine sulfate This builds cartilage with very few side effects.

Magnets Although magnets that are worn as jewelry or placed on bed linens have been reported by some to be effective pain relievers, results are still preliminary; doctors claim that these magnets are not strong enough.

MSM - This organic sulfur is used in the reduction of inflammation.

Nettle leaf - Nettles can reduce a patients need for NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) by up to 70 percent.

Vitamin E This antioxidant is used primarily for osteoarthritis.

.Vitamin B is also an effective pain reliever. It works best on the knee and can help stop degeneration that is caused by free-radical molecules, not only in the joints but in other areas of the body as well.

These are merely a few examples of what an arthritis sufferer can use when seeking pain relief from natural remedies. However, due to the lack of scientific study and testing on many of these alternate treatments, there is no proof of their effectiveness.

Nothing can cure osteoarthritis, but nutritional supplements, the application of heat or cold to affected joints, exercise, and weight loss can improve the function and flexibility of your joints, and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease. Conventional over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very helpful in decreasing joint pain, but they do produce side effects and can cause problems in long-term users.

Unfortunately, there is no way to cure arthritis. However, you can delay the onset by maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise regularly and eat healthy. Avoid repetitious movements that cause you pain.