Arthritis can prove severely debilitating in any of its many forms, from the recurring inflammation and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis to the age-related cartilage degeneration of osteoarthritis. If your quality of life has taken a hit due to one of these all-too-common conditions, rest assured that you have the power to fight back through safe, non-surgical means. Take a look at these four all-natural strategies for restoring your joint mobility and comfort.

1. Exercise

You may not relish the thought of putting those painful joints to the test through physical activity, but the truth is that disuse actually makes arthritic joints even stiffer and more painful. It’s important to remember that joints are more than just the junction of two bones; they also rely on the muscles and connective tissues that articulate and reinforce them. Your physician can start you with easy walks and simple range-of-motion exercises to get those creaky joints feeling and functioning better.

2. Chiropractic Adjustment

Many cases of arthritis respond well to chiropractic adjustment. This healing modality focuses on identifying misalignments within the joint structures that make your pain and inflammation worse, employing precisely targeted manipulations to normalize those issues. Research has found that chiropractic care can reduce symptoms for sufferers of either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It isn’t universally recommended for all arthritis cases, but an experienced chiropractor can tell you whether it is likely to be beneficial for you.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Arthritis

If you are what you eat, then you’ll want to be eating anti-inflammatory foods and spices to help tame those arthritis symptoms. Fatty fish can help tremendously by providing you with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. You may also want to increase your intake of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables (especially broccoli, cabbage and other veggies rich in Vitamin K), olive oil, beans and whole grains. Enhance your healthy diet with anti-inflammatory herbs such as garlic, onions, turmeric, and ginger. If you need a bit more guidance, check out our article about the Nordic Diet, which has been shown to reduce inflammation.

4. Weight Loss

Losing excess weight can do wonders for your arthritis symptoms. Perhaps most obviously, it takes stress off of degenerated and/or inflamed joints, easing pain and improving function. Losing even a single pound relieves four pounds of pressure from your knees — so imagine what losing an unwanted 10 to 20 pounds might achieve!

Before you turn to painkillers or even surgery to relieve your arthritis agony, consider making use of these natural, non-invasive, drug-free strategies. You may find that they can limber up your entire life!