Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, can strike anyone at any age. If you suffer from arthritis or joint pain, you’ve undoubtedly tried a number of ways to relieve that pain. While painkillers are commonly prescribed to treat arthritis, there are several alternative remedies that may also help. Let’s take a look at three potent natural solutions that have proven benefits for painful joints.

Arthritis Basics
The joints of the hands, wrists, ankles, toes, neck, and hips are the most frequently affected when arthritis strikes. Most forms of arthritis are progressive, meaning that the condition gets worse with time. With early treatment, damage can be minimized or reversed, but if the condition is allowed to become severe, irreversible cartilage destruction, loss of joint fluid, and muscle atrophy can result.

A Natural Treatment Approach
If you’ve failed to get relief from prescription drugs, try incorporating these three natural solutions into your daily regimen:

Celery seeds. India's traditional Ayurvedic physicians have prescribed celery seeds since ancient times for arthritis and to treat water retention. And in Germany, celery seed is highly acclaimed for joint pain. It is mainly used in the treatment of arthritis due to its anti-rheumatic properties, and is often combined with other herbs, such as ginger, capsicum, and sarsaparilla for synergistic effects.

Antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc mineral help to protect against deterioration of arthritis conditions by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen in the body, and studies have shown that it stimulates cartilage repair. A daily intake of 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg vitamin C should be beneficial. Clinical trials using high levels of vitamin E demonstrated significant improvement in patients. The benefit is thought to be due to vitamin E's anti-free radical actions and its ability to inhibit the enzymatic breakdown of cartilage as well as stimulate cartilage synthesis. Typically, the level of zinc is substantially lower in patients with arthritis, and daily supplementation with 30 mg of zinc daily appears to help. As these nutrients work better when taken together, look for a product that combines all of them in a simple tablet.

Fish Oils. Supplements containing good oils, such as marine fish oil in combination with evening primrose oil, can help to reduce inflammation. A good ratio to stick to is twenty percent of fish oil and eighty percent evening primrose oil. Also, make sure you choose a fish oil that contains high levels of the Omega-3s DHA and EPA.

Before taking any supplements to treat or manage arthritis, discuss your options with your healthcare provider and be sure to mention other supplements and medications you are taking to prevent any adverse reactions.