Joint pain is a common problem that can have highly debilitating consequences. It can be caused by several factors, including injury and disease, and can lead to discomfort, pain, and even surgery.
Living with joint pain can be a painful process that can greatly decrease your quality of life. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do that can help relieve joint pain, improve mobility and therefore enhance your quality of life.
With some simple home remedies and chiropractor support, you can minimize your pain and improve the health of your joints. Here are eleven best remedies on how to relieve joint pain:
1. Heat remedies
Using a heating pad is an excellent way to relieve joint pain. The heat helps draw blood into the area. This brings an abundance of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged joint and promotes healing.
If you choose to try heat therapy, leave the heating pad on for ten to fifteen minute periods at a time. Do this multiple times throughout the day.
2. Ice remedies
Ice can be highly soothing for joint pain. It can help remove swelling and inflammation and reduce pain. Wrap an ice pack in a tea towel and place it on the affected joint. Leave it for ten to fifteen minutes and repeat throughout the day.
You can also alternate with heat therapy for maximum results. Just remember to never place an ice pack directly on exposed skin.
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are specially trained in helping people with joint problems. By combining different therapies and stretching routines, they will increase range of motion, minimize pain and help you devise strategies to keep your joints injury-free in the future.
4. Weight-bearing exercises
All of the joints in our body are supported by our muscular system. The stronger our muscles are, the more support they provide to our joints. Lifting weights or performing body-weight exercises can help strengthen our muscles and reduce joint pain.
Before beginning any exercise routine, speak to your health care practitioner to ensure it is the right program for you.
5. Weight loss remedies
Being overweight can put unnecessary pressure on your joints. It is especially harmful to your lower body joints, like your hips, knees, and ankles. Losing weight through a healthy combination of diet and exercise can reduce the strain on your joints and minimize your pain levels.
To lose weight, try incorporating healthy foods into your meal plan. Fill your plates with lots of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Also, try to get twenty to thirty minutes of low-impact physical activity each day.
6. Joint pain medications
Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and minimize pain and discomfort. These medications can be purchased at your local pharmacy but should only be taken in the direction of your healthcare provider.
For severe cases of joint pain, steroid injections can be prescribed and injected by your doctor. These get injected directly into the joint and work locally to reduce inflammation and pain. These are especially helpful if all other remedies have failed. It may take a few days to see results after receiving a steroid injection. However, results can last for months afterward.
7. Supplements for joint pain
Supplements like glucosamine are thought to positively affect the health of your joints. This compound is naturally found in our joints and cartilage and helps cushion our joints when they move. While studies about the efficacy of glucosamine are still ongoing, there has been proof that taking glucosamine daily can improve the health of your joints.
8. Topical pain rubs
Pain relief creams are a great way to help reduce inflammation and decrease pain at the site of your joint pain. These creams contain natural remedies such as capsaicin, calendula, and white willow bark. They are available at your local drug store and can be used with massage to achieve maximum pain-relieving benefits.
9. Orthotic devices
Orthotic devices and support aids such as braces and canes can help make your daily activities much easier. They provide support to the joint and assistance with movement. This helps take excess pressure off of your injured joints and helps reduce pain and promotes healing. Speak with your doctor to determine which orthotic devices will be best for your condition.
10. Epsom salts
Epsom salts are packed full of magnesium which helps relax the muscles of your body. Joint pain can also cause stiff muscles, decreasing mobility and enhanced pain. Soaking in a warm bath of Epsom salts is exceptionally calming and can alleviate some pain.
Add two to three cups of Epsom salts to a warm water bath and soak for twenty to thirty minutes.
