4 ways water can ease osteoarthritis pain

Osteoarthritis causes pain and inflammation that can be reduced with medication, but using water to ease the pain is a great natural treatment option. Here are four natural ways of using water to ease osteoarthritis pain.

People with osteoarthritis are often faced with pain and stiffness each morning, limiting their mobility and quality of life. The good news is that there are natural treatment options that help to ease pain and make the condition more manageable.

Pain relief is possible when you keep the water temperature warm. It is recommended that you aim for a bath that is close to body temperature: 37 degrees Celsius. Not only does this temperature ease osteoarthritis pain, but you will also feel more relaxed when you soak in a warm tub.

While soaking in a tub can provide a certain amount of pain relief, the greatest benefits are experienced when you exercise in a pool. Water allows you to stretch your joints out without the pain that is common when you try to do the same exercises out of the water.

If you choose a centre that offers a pool that is kept warm, your blood flow will improve to provide pain relief. Exercising in a warm pool allows you to retain greater range of motion to ensure that you are able to stay mobile despite your condition.

If you are planning to soak in a bath rather than exercising in a pool, the best thing you can do is add salt to a warm bath. Make sure that you use salts that are specifically made for this purpose to ensure that they properly dissolve. Bath salts are made of magnesium sulfate; magnesium is a nutrient that can help boost bone health to ease osteoarthritis.

However, those with diabetes should be aware that magnesium has the potential to affect insulin production in your body. Even if you do not have another medical condition, magnesium sulfate should be used only occasionally.

Splashing around in the water is not the only way to use water to help ease osteoarthritis symptoms. Drinking more water is important for joint health.

Staying hydrated ensures that the liquid that lubricates your joints is continuously produced. Pain is reduced when your joints are able to glide instead of scrape against each other.