Beans in my socks! (Arthritis Relief)

A few years ago I made an appointment with my small-town doctor to discuss arthritis pain management. At only 26 years old, I was not ready to take a lot of medicines with severe potential side affects. But my quality of life was low, the medications he suggested simply weren’t enough.

Imagine my surprise when his top two suggestions were to do my dishes in the morning and put beans in my socks!

Morning Dishes

He suggested the light exercise and having my hands submerged in warm water for an extended period of time would help with early morning stiffness. Unfortunately, my arthritis was too severe at that time to follow through with this suggestion. But I did try gently stretching my hands and wrists in a pan of hot water a few times. It helped but not enough for me to make this a new habit.

These days, if I am having an extra bad week in the arthritis department, I will run the shower on my wrists a few extra minutes. It’s like a relaxing heated massage.

Beans in my socks!

He also suggested I fill clean socks with beans or rice. Microwave them 1-3 minutes until they are the hottest I can find comfortable.

Rice does a better job of fitting to small areas like hands or wrists. Beans hold the heat significantly longer.

I usually put a cup of water in the microwave for my own peace of mind. I have read that some people put a drop of essential oil in their rice or bean socks.