While pain medications can be effective for treating the symptoms of arthritis, there are alternative natural arthritis remedies can be more effective over the long term.

Arthritis can be extremely painful. I watched my grandmother suffer with arthritis that attacked her legs and hands. Her tiny fingers were twisted and painful. In fact, she had to give up knitting, a hobby she lovingly adopted in order to create sweaters and scarves for her children, grandchildren and even her first great grandchild, my daughter. Arthritis was debilitating for her. She struggled to find remedies but over-the-counter painkillers and prescription drugs offered limited relief and horrible side effects. I wish I had known about some of these alternative arthritis remedies while she was suffering.

Since I couldn't help my beloved grandmother, I hope some of these arthritis remedies will help some of you.

• Acupuncture - this ancient Chinese practice is used for so many ailments with great success. It employs the use of very fine needles to stimulate acupuncture points located in various places on your body. It enhances blood circulation and can be great at relieving pain. It can also ease the discomfort that comes from stress in your joints. For some, relief can be found after just one session. Others may need several sessions of acupuncture before they see results. Still others may not have any relief at all.

• It really helps to get in the right mindset when you go for acupuncture. Let yourself relax on the table and take in the gentle music and soothing scents that your practitioner will use during your treatment.

• A healthy diet and lifestyle will build a strong immune system. This is your first line of defense for any ailment or disease, arthritis among them.

• Avoid substances such as caffeine and alcohol. These are toxic to your system and can aggravate arthritis symptoms by increasing inflammation in your body.

• Maintain a healthy weight. The added stress of excess weight can cause arthritis to flare up. Make sure that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet.

• Keep your bones healthy by eating foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin D. It may be a good idea to take supplementation of these vitamins as well for extra support.

• Deep water fish that are caught in the wild are very helpful in building healthy joints. Consume in moderation fish like wild caught salmon and mackerel.

• Some herbs will help reduce the inflammation that causes arthritis to flare up. Before taking a pain killer, try some of these remedies for relief. Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory. They can help to reduce the swelling in your joints associated with arthritis. They are great natural arthritis remedies.

• There are many arthritis herbal remedies available in your local health food store. Read the labels and make sure they contain pure, natural ingredients. Check with a qualified physician who can guide you and suggest effective remedies. Holistic and naturopathic doctors will be more open to herbal arthritis remedies.

• Try massaging the areas where your arthritis is causing you discomfort. This may offer some immediate relief.

• As a regular practice, adopt some deep breathing and meditation exercises into your regime. These practices can help to relieve stress, which will also reduce inflammation in your system.

• Exercise, is always important for good health and an important part of any healthy lifestyle. Proper exercise (such as walking, water aerobics and flexibility exercise) will improve the range of motion in your joints. This will help to reduce your pain.

• Ayuverda, Indian medicine and yoga can all offer some relief. Look for practitioners who specialize in these modalities.

Relief is on the way. Choose your treatments wisely and you will reap the rewards.