While many of us have accepted stiff muscles and joints as a normal part of waking up in the morning, it’s not something we’ve always had to deal with. Have you ever noticed how kids seem to be able to fall asleep anywhere, in any position, and still wake up pain-free? Their youthful skeletal systems seem to be unaffected by hours of sleep on a kinked neck. Joint pain is usually thought of as a condition brought on by age. Arthritis in particular is considered a part of growing older, while juvenile arthritis is often overlooked. Frequently this leads to misdiagnosis when children do have arthritis. For those affected, juvenile arthritis is a serious and painful condition.

Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Limited range of motion due to swelling
• Joint contractures
• Damaged joint cartilage or joint deformity
• Altered bone growth in joints (sometimes leading to shorter stature)

Many different types of arthritis can affect juveniles, from Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood cells) to Spondyloarthropies (affecting the spine and lower extremities). While each type of arthritis requires different treatments, natural pain relievers may be useful as remedies for all types of arthritis.

July is National Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month! Connect with the Arthritis Foundation to learn more.

Natural Arthritis Remedies

• Eat right for arthritis. In Hanna’s book, Good Health through Special Diets, she recommends eating sprouted alfalfa seeds, bell peppers, cauliflower, papaya, apples, and citrus fruit juices.
• Supplement your Glucosamine intake. Evidence shows that Glucosamine Sulfate is beneficial in joint, ligament, and bone repair. This Glucosamine supplement, by NOW, includes Cellulose and Potassium to support joint health.
• Take an herbal approach to pain relief. We’re fans of Joint Formula a yucca-based supplement designed for keeping muscles and joints in good health. Hyland’s also offers a homeopathic formula designed for natural arthritis pain relief.
• Munch on celery, parsley, and celeriac. In Ageless Remedies from Mother’s Kitchen, Hanna recommends combining the three into a juice as an arthritis remedy.
• Drink apple cider vinegar. Drink 2 teaspoons vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, and 8 ounces of water together to make a cleansing beverage. Take it 3 times daily with meals. Find more remedies like this one.
• Rub away stiffness with a homeopathic gel or rub.
• Try other homeopathic remedies. Available at Hanna’s Herb Shop, Manganese acet. Vibropathic may help treat inflammation of the joints.

No matter what age you are, arthritis shouldn’t slow you down. Juvenile arthritis is a life-long condition, but the pain can be eased naturally with herbs and natural home remedies. Find more natural remedies for arthritis or read Hanna’s natural Arthritis remedies