Arthritis is a condition that results in the inflammation and swelling of joints. This can cause persistent joint pain and limit your mobility. Commonly affected areas include your knees, hips, wrists, and fingers. There are more than a hundred different types of arthritis, with some which can also degrade the connective tissue between joints.

It is difficult to identify the causes for many forms of arthritis. However, the usual suspects include:

• Wear and tear of joints as you grow older
• Genetics can also cause some forms of arthritis and women have a higher chance of developing an arthritic conditions compared to men
• Severe obesity or simply being overweight can put pressure on the knees forcing muscle and tissue wear
• Common injuries can also damage the joints

It is important to identify the symptoms of arthritis in order to narrow down its type for specific diagnosis and treatment. Pain in and around your joints is the first indicator of a developing condition. Difficulty in moving, muscle tenderness, muscle aches, stiffness in joints, limited gross motor skills, limited flexibility, and fatigue are among the other signs.

Treatment options for common forms of arthritis include a course of medications, physical therapy, and also surgery for severe cases. For mild to moderate symptoms of arthritis, self-care and home remedies prove useful to save time and frequent doctor visits.

Natural medicines and arthritis vitamin supplements are available to reduce and manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other similar conditions. There are a number of vital nutrients and vitamins for arthritis that can be easily incorporated in your daily diet.

Natural arthritis vitamin supplements

• Calcium
  Bone health is compromised in case of rheumatoid arthritis, making calcium one of the must have arthritis vitamin sources. Calcium supplements can also help reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis. Natural arthritis vitamin supplements of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, almonds, kale, and broccoli among others.
• Selenium
  Studies have shown that selenium can alter the inflammatory responses when it comes to arthritis and is also a good antioxidant. Brazil nuts, shitake mushrooms, lima beans, brown rice, cabbage, and spinach are rich sources of selenium and are also a natural arthritis vitamins source.
• Magnesium
  Inflammation and cartilage damage in arthritis can be a result of magnesium deficiency. Foods that are rich in magnesium can help counter any side effects of painkillers for arthritis treatment. Avocados, nuts, legumes, bananas, leafy greens are all rich sources of magnesium making it one of the important arthritis vitamins to be included in your daily diet.
• Manganese
  These supplements help in promoting bone health. Manganese is essential for formation of certain enzymes that provide therapeutic benefits for treating the symptoms of arthritis. Soybeans, pineapple, oats, pumpkin seeds all have a good magnesium content and can be easily incorporated in the foods your consume daily.
• Zinc
  Inflammation is one of the leading symptoms for any form of arthritis, which makes zinc one of the important arthritis vitamins. Zinc supplements are effective in tackling inflammation and they also regulate immune responses to help prevent bone health loss. Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, watermelon seeds, and chickpeas among other natural foods have a high zinc content.
• Iron
  Iron deficiency can also lead to certain forms of arthritis, making it one of the needed arthritis vitamins to counter developing symptoms. Red meats, poultry, spinach, sweet potato, and broccoli among others are all rich sources of iron.
• Potassium
  In order to regulate hormonal imbalances and provide anti-inflammatory relief from the symptoms, potassium is one of the arthritis vitamins and nutrients for managing common forms of arthritis. Studies have shown moderate improvement and reduced pain after supplementing potassium in the daily diet.
• Boron
  You might have not necessarily heard or come across boron used as one of the vitamins for arthritis. However, studies have shown that boron supplements can increase bone strength. Almonds, walnuts, raisins, carrots among many others are common sources of boron making it one of the arthritis vitamins that can be easily incorporate in your daily diet.

Apart from natural sources, arthritis vitamin supplements are available in the market. Popular supplements include:

• Glucosamine
  Helps prevent cartilage deterioration and alleviates pain from osteoarthritis.
• Chondroitin Sulfate
  Relieves pain and inflammation to improve joint function and mobility.
• SAM-e
  These supplements are a good alternative to NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs)
• Omega 3 fatty acids
  A must have for any diet, especially for countering the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
• Methylsulfonylmethane
  One of the supplements that helps form connective tissue thus reversing any damage caused due to symptoms of arthritis.
• Vitamin C
  There are many natural sources of vitamin C available, however supplements of vitamin C also help in building connective tissue.