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Many of us have inflamed joints and muscles from osteoarthritis and stiffness from getting older. This does not have to be so. We have heard over and over that we develop rheumatism as a natural process. So many people get osteoarthritis in their knees and hips that we see it as part of aging. I have heard so many times from patients that they have been told they overused their joints causing the pain in their knees and hips. Injuries can definitely lead to problems but many of our ancestors used their joints throughout their lives with little or no arthritis issues. Some of the contributing factors to aching joints is an inflammatory diet and lack of exercise. We will post some ways to reduce inflammation and prevent osteoarthritis in the joints over the next few weeks.

Today I would like to recommend something that has helped me reduce inflammation which is soaking in espom salt baths. Epsom salts have been used for a very long time for bathing. Some who is reading this may not know I have had rheumatoid arthritis for over 13 years.  I have used epsom salts 1-2 times a month over the last year or two.  About 2 months ago I began to take baths with epsom salts about every other day or so. As I am only an experiment of one this is not a scientific discussion but only what has seemed to help me so that I want to pass on how it has helped. I have had swelling in my wrists that has been very visible for about 5 years that has never decreased much during that time. Since I have been taking the epsom salt baths much more frequently my patients and I have noticed my wrists are almost back to normal.  I have not been sure that it was the salts but when I miss a few days when traveling the swelling seems to increase again. I have also noticed that my joints in general do feel better.

I have also been reading about bath bombs which are made of baking soda and citric acid. They have been around a while. I am not adding this to my bath water so I will also see if this increases the benefit. The bath bombs are about $2 each so I want to find a less expensive way to add this to the bath when I see if it helps reduce inflammation.  So stay tuned!!
If you want to try bath bombs here is a link!  These also make greats gifts but may not be practical for daily baths!
https://www.amazon.com/LifeAround2Angels-Moisturize-Handmade-Birthday-girlfriend/dp/B01MFGN8S5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=158RNW9DHC6HA&keywords=bath+bombs&qid=1569329963&sprefix=bath+bombs%2Caps%2C303&sr=8-4

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