By definition, Arthritis means inflammation in the joints. Inflammation consists of four criterions- these are pain, swelling, redness and rise in the local temperature. All these are seen in Arthritis.

The first question comes to our mind is whether to go for the alternative treatment of arthritis or not. The rule of thumb is- if it helps you to be active, you can go for it.

This subject raises multifaceted issues, and there is no easy answer that tells us about the fruitfulness of alternative therapies for treatment of arthritis.

As for example, massage, physical exercise and hot fomentation, which are well known treatment modalities for many years, are enlisted as alternative approach to treat arthritis. But actually, these are the standard and accepted practice in the modern medicine for a long time.

Alternative arthritis pain reliever has a wide range. It starts from A (stands for Acupuncture) to Z (stands for Zinc sulfate). The assortments of the middle range are from bracelet to food supplements to magneto therapy to yoga- just to name a few.

A lot of arthritis patients look for alternative arthritis pain reliever with a view to get respite from the pain, joint stiffness, anxiety, stress and even depression that the patients may suffer.

According to the Arthritis Foundation of America more than 70% of the patients who are suffering from arthritis have attempted the alternative therapies for arthritic pain relief.

Here are some of the useful agents and top arthritis pain relievers:

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate- these two substances are present naturally in any synovial fluid of the joint (the liquid material that is present in the joint space in a bag). At present they are produced synthetically in the laboratory and are marketed.

They have the power to reduce the magnitude of pain that a patient suffers from arthritis along with significantly slowing down the progress of Osteoarthritis besides expediting repair of the deranged joint.

MSM or Methyl Sulphonyl Methane delivers natural sulfur to the joints. This property makes it a valuable anti inflammatory agent to combat arthritis.

MSM reduces the intensity of inflammation, thus lowers the pain and swelling of the joints. As a result, the improvement it is a very effective pain relievers

Turmeric, the spice we use to make our dishes has a powerful property of anti inflammatory action. By far, turmeric is the best natural ingredient for anti arthritic action.

In Ayurveda (Indian system of ancient medicine), the use of Yograja, Guggulu, Mahamas oil, Aniseed oil, Camphor, Menthol are well known.

Boswellia is a herb that has much anti inflammatory action.

Another alternative arthritis pain reliever is SAM-e. It helps to increase the joint flexibility.

Thus in a case of joint stiffness, improves the range of movement. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of pain relieving. According to this method, the skin is punctured using multiple small pointed needles.

The needles are placed in the so called 'Active pressure points'. This in turn sends some signals to our Central Nervous System causing pain relief.

Some people prefer 'Magnetotherapy'. Small magnets are placed over the magnetic resonant point on the skin. It is believed that the magnetic field created by these small chips reduces the pain.