Having osteoarthritis can be extremely frustrating. Daily tasks and activities become difficult or impossible to complete and you find yourself doing less and less to avoid the struggle. While your regular orthopedic care from your doctor, one like Ascar Egtedar, MD, helps, your occupational therapy and anti-inflammatory medications can only do so much. Rather than give up and assume there is nothing more you can do to improve your quality of life, you should consider natural treatments that can help reduce the symptoms of your osteoarthritis and make your days happier and more productive.

Eat More Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are some of the most potent natural medicines people can consume. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds in the world. However, if you are not a big fan of fish, you can always take a fish oil supplement. It has the same anti-inflammatory benefit of consuming fish. You could also eat certain nuts or seed such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts to obtain your omega-3's.

Give Acupuncture a Try

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of tiny, thin needles into certain energy points on your body to relieve pain, discomfort, and to treat various illnesses and conditions. 

Acupuncture treatments can help relieve your osteoarthritis pain and may even improve joint function. This means you will be able to move more freely and accomplish more after just one or two visits to a certified acupuncturist. 

Take a Yoga Class

Yoga is another ancient practice that can be used to treat pain, joint stiffness, and any number of physical ailments. This particular treatment option is also an exercise program. Now before you shy away, thinking an exercise class may be too intense for you and your osteoarthritis, you need to know that yoga is different. 

Yoga focuses on the connection between the mind and body through controlled breathing and a series of flowing, controlled stretches. It is designed specifically to improve flexibility and mobility in the body. As such, it is an ideal exercise program for sufferers of osteoarthritis. 

Any exercise is good for you when you are trying to combat the effects of osteoarthritis; however, yoga is certainly one of the best. You will not run the risk of doing further damage to your body, can progress at your own pace, and will feel so much better after just one session. Let your yoga instructor know you suffer from osteoarthritis, and they will even be able to recommend a series of stretches you can do at home to help alleviate symptoms and inflammation.

In addition to your regular orthopedic care under the advisement of a medical professional, these natural treatments will help improve your quality of life exponentially. Do not let your osteoarthritis deter you from achieving your goals and completing your daily tasks.