Arthritis is a joint disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system of our body. An arthritic joint is inflamed, very painful, stiff, swollen, warm and tender. The joints are actually the union or meeting junction of two or more bone heads. The joints of our body bear the weight of our body even while we are sitting and support the entire body structure. Therefore joints are prone to much wear and tear. When arthritis invades a joint, not only the bone heads but also the adjoining tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons are affected, making mobility painful and in some cases impossible.

Therefore arthritis may be the cause of disability for many. Arthritis may be of hundred types, of which osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are most widespread. Osteoarthritis occurs due to friction between bone heads at the wearing out or loss of cartilage cushions that could have otherwise protected the bone heads from friction. Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of a misdirected immune system attacking healthy joints and tissues. Gout results from metabolic malfunctioning and crystallization of uric acid in joint cavity and between bones. Some causes of arthritis may be listed as follows:

1. Lack of exercise
2. Wrong diet
3. Dehydration
4. Sedentary lifestyle
5. Obesity
6. Degeneration of cartilages
7. Natural aging of joints
8. Joint injury or bone fracture
9. Joint infection
10. Faulty joint alignment
11. Heredity
12. Lack of vitamins
13. Over-active immune system
14. Metabolic disorders.

Natural Arthritis Joint Pain Relief

1. Prickly ash tea effectively eases arthritis joint pain by improving blood circulation.
2. A cup of hot ginger tea daily alleviates arthritis joint pain and inflammation.
3. A cup of tea made from nettle leaves or root sufficiently heals arthritis joint pain.
4. Heating pad or warm, damp towel application relaxes muscles and does away with stiffness and pain.
5. Rubbing ice cubes wrapped on fabric on joints reduces pain and swelling.
6. Massaging aching joint with camphorated mustard oil or coconut oil gives much relief from pain. Olive oil, castor oil, hot vinegar or warm paraffin may also be used for massaging.
7. Application of peppermint oil on aching joints gives much relief.
8. Soaking in warm bath water in tub or adding Epsom salt to bath water also lessens arthritis joint pain.
9. Taking walk in sun without any sunscreen is perhaps the easiest way to treat arthritis joint pain naturally.
10. Practicing gentle stretching around stiff joints as many times as possible through out the day keeps arthritis pain at bay.
11. Intake of alkaline juices like carrot, celery and red beet dissolve that deposits in and around joints, relieving pain.