Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the bones in which the bones suffer from de-mineralizing leading to a degeneration of joints. The incidence of this disorder is highest for people in their middle ages. As people grow old, their joints become weaker and demineralizing continues, making the joints porous and brittle.
In this chronic condition, the cartilaginous tissue of the joints wears away causing stiffness and pain in movements. Due to demineralizing of the bones, deposits of calcium and bone spurs may begin to form around the joints. Usually, the disorder is considered a natural product of the aging process. There may be many other process involved. Metabolism and genetics also have an important role to play when it comes to osteoarthritis; however, the exact cause is yet to be pinned down.
As the wear and tear of the joint continues, the cartilaginous tissue wears away completely, leaving only the bones to rub together and increasing the pain and discomfort.
Initially there may not be any symptoms. However, as time progresses, there may be a hint of pain in the joints. Gradually, this hint of pain becomes more gnawing and eventually, the pain becomes grating and unbearable. In certain weathers, the pain is more apparent and debilitating.
There are many ways in which the treatment for this chronic disease is approached. The first goal for treatment in osteoarthritis is to relieve the symptoms, improve the strength of the joints, and reduce the pace of degeneration. The treatment is specific to the affected joint.
Essential Oils for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
While earlier, the conventional methods of treatment for the disorder like pain killers and topical steroids were considered, today alternative methods like acupuncture and aromatherapy are increasingly used to treat the disorder. When combined with apt lifestyle changes, these may help immensely with the disorder.
In the early stages, the use of essential oils can help slow down the degeneration process. The oils can be used to massage the joints. The heat that the oils produce is useful in promoting healthy blood circulation. This helps the joint to stay healthier for a longer period of time. Analgesic oils like aniseed, angelica, elemi, fir, coriander, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, eucalyptus, chamomile, frankincense, peppermint, nutmeg, cajuput, citronella, thyme, ginger, fennel, rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, juniper and marjoram can all be used to massage the joints. A hot compress using these oils can also help treat the disorder to a large extent.
Regular application of these oils can help decrease inflammation and is useful in the alleviation of the symptoms over a long period