Did you know that arthritis affects millions of Americans after the age 50 and women are more often effected by arthritis?

Arthritis is caused when the cartilage in the joint deteriorates over time, causing bones to rub against each other which causes stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint.  Arthritis typically affects weight bearing joints such as hands, hips, knees and the spine.  Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for arthritis, though there are many treatments and products that can relieve pain.

Here is a list of Allegro’s customers’s favorite arthritis remedies, arthritis aides and arthritis pain relief products.

10 Most Popular Arthritis Products

1.  Biofreeze – The Biofreeze 4 oz Tube, Biofreeze Roll-on 3 oz ,  Biofreeze Spray and Biofreez Gel Pump all make on the first page of our Arthritis Products Page and gets very high ratings so it must be good.   It is a long lasting topical analgesic & pain reliever that contains ILEX, an herbal extract from South America.  See all Biofreeze.

2.  Car Caddie Helping Hand – Need a little help getting in and out of the car?  This is made just for you.  Super popular and highly rated, we’ve sold thousands.   Even works to help get kids in and out of your SUV or pickup.  Also in the Top 10, a similar product called the Handybar 3 in 1 Car Aid.  5 star rating!

3.Neckpro Cervical Traction Device - At-home traction for relief of neck pain. Uses a unique ratcheting device that delivers a more precise amount of cervical traction tension than the old conventional overdoor neck traction systems.  Similar to what you would experience in a clinical setting.

4.  Arthritis Gloves-  Made of soft breathable cotton lycra, these gloves provide mild compression that warms your hands and helps increase circulation.  Open fingertips for full freedom.  Wear day or night.  For edema, try the Norco Edema Glove that provides compression past your wrist.

5.    UpEasy Lifting Cushion – Converts any chair into an automatic lift chair that will lift 80% of your body weight.  Adjusts for various weights.  Easily transportable with built-in handle.

6.   Bamboo Shower Seat and Bath Bench- Its compact triangle shape fits into the shower stall or bathtub and it looks great!    Made of eco-friendly bamboo, a 100% renewable resource.   Height adjustable, with slip-resistant rubber tipped legs.

7.  Light Relief Light Therapy-  One of Allegro’s top products for several years now, this light therapy device emits energy in the infrared spectrum to provide topical warmth.  A natural alternative to pain medication, the Light Relief eases arthritis pain and stiffness.  Includes a travel bag.

8.    Thermophore Moist Heat Pack - Moist heat is most often recommended by doctors. Why?  Because moisture transfers the high heat deeper into tissues than ordinary dry heat pads providing temporary relief from rheumatic and arthritic pain.  Increased blood flow is als a result of moist heat, which can relieve inflamed joints and help maintain flexibility.  The heating pad draws moisture from the air and requires no water.  Includes soft flannel cover.  Also see the highly rated  Thermophore Arthritis Pad.

9.  Cando Gel Hand Exercise Balls -  Recommended for arthritis, these exerise balls are used to help grip, strength, dexterity and mobility, as well as fine and gross motor skills.  Can be microwaved or put in the freezer.  Very soothing.

10.  Spa-N-A-Box Portable Spa – A super economical way to have your own above-ground spa.  Soothes arthritis pain for hours.  Sets up on about 20 minutes and plugs into a regular household outlet.  Put it on your patio, deck, on your boat or even in your c0ndo or apartment!  Quiet operation.  Seats 4 or 5 people.

BONUS:   The Freedom Wand – Toilet Tissue Aid

See hundreds of arthritis products including braces, supports, over-the-counter remedies and medications, daily living aids, bed wedges, pillows, canes and much more in Shop By Condition: Arthritis.

Reduce the risk of injuries, skip the low-back pain and soreness, increase blood flow, improve balance and relieve tension with some quick pre- and post-gardening stretches. The following routine only takes 2 minutes for the warm up and you can use the same stretches afterwards for your cool-down.

1. Neck. Stretch your neck by slowly moving your head from side to side, laying your head first toward one shoulder and then the other. Repeat a couple of times. Now move it front and back with your chin on your chest and then tipped back. Hold for a few seconds.

2. Back and Shoulders. Bend forward at the waist and let your hands hang toward your toes. Roll your shoulders back and around, as if you are shrugging. This elongates your spine and loosens your back. Stand up slowly and place your palms on the back of your pelvis and lean back from the waist. Drop your head back and hold it for a few seconds.

3. Trunk. Reach one arm across your chest. Twist that same direction. While you’re doing that, reach the other arm behind your back. Do this 3 or 4 times, switching arm positions. This works the trunk and opens the spine.

4. Upper torso. Hold your arms straight out at shoulder height. Make fists. Pull your arms back as if you were trying to touch your elbows in the back. Tighten your fists and then push your hands in front again. Roll your shoulders forward to stretch your upper back. Open your hands with your wrists flexing up and spread your fingers as you push forward. Do this several times.

5. Ankles & Lower Body. Lift your knee as high as you can and point your toes toward the ground as far as you can. Then extend your leg forward, with your leg straigh and flex your ankle up, with your toes facing the sky. This will loosen most of your leg.

6. Knees. I like to add a few deep squats and lunges just to get my knees extra warm. Use a rake or chair for balance. While I’m lunging I stretch and flex my fingers. This helps grip strength.

Continue your warm-up in the garden by starting slow. While you work, be mindful and thoughtful about how your body is positioned. Try not to twist a lot or stay in one position too long. Stand up at least every 10 minutes if you’re bent over or on your knees. Make sure you’re using ergonomic garden tools. Read Gardening Made Easy to see what I mean.

Save the heavy lifting for later – say, a half-hour into it. Make sure you’re good and warmed up before you start moving pots and bags of soil.

Drink plenty of water! Set a kitchen timer if you need to be reminded. Every 20 minutes take 5 big gulps.

A good cool-down is even more important than a good warm up. After gardening, don’t just sit down. Take 10 minutes or so and really stretch to keep that lactic acid from building up and making you sore later. Use the stretches above as a guide, but do them slower and longer.

Do you have a tip or a favorite stretch? Please share it!