The goals of arthritis treatment are to:

• Decrease arthritis symptoms
• Slow progression of the disease
• Prevent or minimize joint damage and deformities
• Maintain joint function
• Preserve mobility and range-of-motion

Natural Treatments

Some people are more interested in natural treatments than traditional medications. If you prefer a natural approach to treating arthritis, it's still imperative that you tell your doctor what you are taking or what you want to try. There are many natural treatment options, also referred to as alternative treatments, which are popular but not fully endorsed for effectiveness and safety. Be aware.

• Acupuncture / Acupressure
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic
• Magnets
• Massage
• Supplements such as fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM
• Tai Chi
• Yoga

Complementary Medicine

The terms complementary medicine and alternative medicine are sometimes used interchangeably. The difference is that complementary treatments are used together with your usual treatment regimen. Alternative treatments imply that they are used instead of your usual treatment.

• Regular exercise. Regular exercise can reduce pain and improve physical function, muscle strength, and quality of life for people with arthritis.
• Healthy eating . Eating a nutritious diet is important for maintaining ideal weight and for bone health too. There is no known diet which can cure arthritis, but eating well is important.
• Stress management may also be useful as a complementary treatment. Reducing stress helps to reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.