Joints are the connections between bones. They help you move and also provide support. Damage or injuries to joints can result in pain, which can interfere with movement.
Several conditions can lead to pain in the joints. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, sprains and strains, and bursitis. While joint pain is widespread, some remedies can alleviate it.
Below are ten of the most popular joint pain remedies. Try one of these remedies if you are dealing with joint pain.
Remedy #1: Physical Therapy
Working with a chiropractor, you can work to strengthen the muscles around the joint and increase your motion range. Based on your condition, the chiropractor may recommend joint pain remedies that include ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation and manipulation, and heat or cold therapy.
Furthermore, some low-impact exercises you can engage in include cycling and swimming. Swimming helps to relieve pressure on the joints since water makes one buoyant.
Remedy #2: Medications
For moderate-to-severe joint pain that manifests in swelling, over-the-counter drugs can be used. Among the recommended prescriptions is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is effective in alleviating pain.
However, these joint pain remedies have side effects and can increase the risk of developing complications. If the pain is too much and the milder medications suggested above are not sufficient, your doctor can prescribe opioid medication. This should be prescribed and supervised by a qualified medical practitioner.
Remedy #3: Injections
For patients who do not want joint pain remedies from oral or topical medications, a doctor may inject steroidal medicines directly into the joint at specified times. This procedure is very effective, but the effects, in most cases, do not last. The injections can also mask an injury, leading to damage of the joint due to overuse.
Remedy #4: Topical Agents
Creams, like the capsaicin cream that is applied to the skin covering the joint, are known to relieve pain. The creams block pain signals and trigger the release of endorphins, which block pain. Check with your doctor or at the nearest pharmacy for the most appropriate cream for your pain.
You can also consider peppermint eucalyptus oil blends, which have analgesic properties. These can be rubbed onto painful joints to provide pain relief.
Remedy #5: Home Care
There are home care remedies for short-term joint pain. You can use a brace to protect the joint and then rest the joint by avoiding activities that cause pain. You may also compress the joint with elastic wrap and apply ice on the joint several times a day. Do this while elevating the joint above the level of the heart.
Sometimes doctors recommend taping or splinting the joint to reduce movement. However, avoid being still for too long to prevent stiffness and loss of joint function.
Remedy #6: Alternative Treatments
Research indicates that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements help with joint pain and improve joint function. Since the supplements are made from standard cartilage components, they help in cushioning and protecting the bones.
Most supplements are designed as dietary supplements. They are, therefore, not subject to strict FDA testing. The patient gets to decide what works best for them based on personal research and trust.
Remedy #7: Lubricate with Olive Oil
The consistency of olive oil makes a suitable lubricant for joints. It’s sometimes good at relieving joint pain.
The main component in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is oleocanthal. It inhibits the inflammatory enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. The EVOO you use should be cold-pressed. You can apply it to the joint or ingest it to enjoy all its benefits.
Remedy #8: Dandelion Leaves
These leaves have high Vitamin A and C content, which help in the repair of damaged tissue. They can also help the liver flush out toxins from the blood.
Dandelion leaves contain linoleic acid. This is an essential fatty acid that helps the body to produce prostaglandin. Prostaglandin regulates the immune responses and brings down inflammation. You can consume dandelion leaves as a salad or brew them as a tea.
Remedy #9: Exercise
When in pain, the last thing you want to do is exercise. As unpleasant as it sounds, exercise helps relieve stiffness, joint pain and other body aches.
It also strengthens the muscles that support the joint and lubricates it to allow ease of movement. The synovial fluid used in lubricating the joints is usually thick. Exercise makes it lighter and a better lubricant for the joints.
You can try walking or perform stretches that specifically target joints. This makes them less stiff and minimizes pain. For example, taking your dog for a walk every now and then encourages you to walk and ultimately relieves joint pain.
Remedy #10: Herbal Teas and Drinks
There are many herbal teas and drinks you can take to alleviate joint pain. For instance, the blackstrap molasses drink is loaded with calcium, magnesium and potassium. It relieves arthritis symptoms and joint pain. Its nutritional components regulate nerve and muscle function.
The white willow tea made from white willow bark, which has salicin as an active ingredient, is another excellent joint pain remedy. Once consumed, salicin is converted into salicylic acid. This acid is similar to acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin.
Juniper Berry Tea is rich in Terpinen-4-ol, which suppresses the blood components known as monocytes, which respond to signals of inflammation.
