No matter the underlying cause, joint pain can meddle with your daily activities in many ways. In severe cases, it can put your life at a virtual standstill – confining you within the four corners of your home.
Most of the time joint pain is mistaken as an irrefutable sign of aging. This observation is partly true as joint pains can be triggered by arthritis. According to the findings of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis is most prevalent among 30% of adults ages 45 to 64 years old and the same frequency of problem is discovered among 24% of young adults ages18 to 44 years old and to more mature adults over 65 years old.
Whether suffering from knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, and ankle discomfort, get relief from debilitating joint pain with these home remedies.
The Main Culprit For Joint Pain
The CDC further indicated that up to 15 million Americans suffer from severe joint pains due to arthritis. The main culprit for joint pains is arthritis. Under this condition, there are two types – osteoarthritis, driven by our cartilage’s wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease where our body mistakenly attacks the healthy joint capsules.
Besides pain, arthritis may cause swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in the affected joints. Loss of motion and challenges in performing weight-bearing activities are common accompanying symptoms, too.
7 Home Remedies For Joint Pain
1. Topical and Oral Painkillers
At the onset of pain, you can either take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical pain relievers. NSAIDs are often used to reduce fever and inflammation, as well as relieve pain. They are often known as ibuprofen, naproxen, and mefenamic acid.
Topical pain relievers –gels, creams, and rubs– are applied to the skin to relieve pain. The best neuropathy cream for nerve pain are those that contain pain-fighting capsaicin.
Topical pain blockers are best for mild to moderate types of pain. Make them your main go-to if you’re sensitive to NSAIDs, have a cardiovascular condition, over 65 years, and if the affected joint is close to the surface.
For stronger types of pain, you may need to ask prescription from your doctor.
2. Consider Acupuncture
From depression to addiction, acupuncture is said to help heal various health issues, including severe body and joint pains.
This traditional Chinese medicine has been around for more than 2,000 years and hinges on the belief that specific points in your body can be stimulated to help the body heal itself. In this practice, thin needles are placed in strategic parts of the body to encourage the release of pain-busting endorphins. The World Health Organization has acknowledged acupuncture’s efficacy, especially as an adjunct therapy to several health conditions.
3. Temperature Therapy
Alternately applying hot and cold compresses are also considered a good natural remedy for joint pains. Heat encourages blood flow and relaxes knotted muscles surrounding the joints, easing pain, and pressure in and around the affected joint. Inversely, cold therapy acts as a vasoconstrictor, minimizing blood vessels and reducing inflammation, as it numbs the affected area—making it less sensitive to pain.
Hydrotherapy, or performing simple exercises in warm water, is also commonly used to treat various health conditions. For arthritic patients, it can help increase knee flexor and extensor strength and endurance, according to a 2017 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy.
4. Low Impact Exercises and Stretches
Stiff joints can worsen arthritis, which means being immobile can actually worsen the pain. A weak lower body can cause additional tension and pressure on your legs, knees, and foot. This can be prevented by developing stronger and more flexible joints, muscles, and ligaments through constant exercise.
If you’re pain-stricken, you may still perform gentle exercises and stretches to prevent further pain and encourage lower body strength. Low impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, and cardio exercises are best. You’d have to be careful not to do it too much or too soon to prevent re-injuring yourself.
5. A Warm Epsom Salt Bath
In some instances, low magnesium intake may be one of the contributing factors for joint pain. Such was the finding of a 2015 study, ‘Association between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis,’ which posited that adequate intake of magnesium may help prevent knee osteoarthritis.
Epsom salts, which contain high levels of magnesium sulfate that may be absorbed by your body, can help relieve magnesium deficiency. In a warm bath water, mix two cups of Epsom salt to have an Epsom salt bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes.
6. A Relaxing Massage
Professional massage therapists can help ease joint pain by promoting blood circulation and easing inflammation. Massage therapy can also help increase mobility and can be used as a conjunctive treatment for joint pain alleviation and ease the debilitating effects of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Herbal Tea
Various types of herbal tea can help relieve body pains. For joint discomfort, ginger and turmeric tea may work best, being that they’re packed with pain-relieving and inflammation-busting compounds.
A study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage discovered that ginger extract may be as effective as common pain killer ibuprofen in relieving discomfort in osteoarthritic patients.
The Wrap Up
Most cases of joint pain can be managed at home. By taking heed of natural home remedies discussed in this article, you’ll like to experience joint pain relief in no time.
However, if joint pain is accompanied by more serious symptoms such as deformities, severe and persistent pain, as well as sudden swelling, always seek medical advice.
*collaborative post
