Joint pain has proven to be one of the most common issues adults face, as it can be very bothersome.
Joint pain can come from different causes, ranging from muscle pain, genetic issues, being overweight, joint injuries, and aging. No matter it’s causes, joint pain can be very uncomfortable, thereby making movements painful.
Here, we will take you through natural ways to relieve joint pain as well as how to prevent it.
What is Joint Pain?
Joint pain refers to the discomfort in the joint, which can be either mild or chronic. Sometimes, it can be treated with medications or lifestyle adjustments, especially if the pain is mild. Other times, it might need surgery if the pain is chronic and/or disabling.
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Joint pain can be a symptom of many ailments and sometimes viruses. The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis.
Causes Of Joint Pain
There are several causes of joint pain. Some of the causes include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of arthritis. It happens when your cartilage wears away, making your joint stiff. It happens to people, usually over the age of 45.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of the immune system attacking its own tissue, including the joints. It causes painful swelling in the affected area, and sometimes the joint can be deformed.
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Gouty arthritis
Also known as gout, is caused by eating foods rich in red meat and shellfish. It is also caused by drinking beverages sweetened with fructose. These foods increase the uric acid level, which in turn causes gout.
Bursitis
Also known as Bursa inflammation, or locally known as ”housemaid’s knee” or ”soldier’s knee,” can be caused by injury or overuse of a particular joint. Although it can also be caused by infection.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is the inflammation of the thick fibrous cords, causing swelling, stiffness, and irritation in the affected area. It is mostly caused by overuse and injury. Sports lovers are prone to this form of joint pain. Tendinitis can also occur with aging as the tendon loses elasticity.
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The above are the common causes of joint pain. Other causes of joint pain include:
- Infection
- Osteoporosis
- Injury
- Joint abnormalities
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases, e.t.c.
How Can Joint Pain Be Relieved Medically?
Joint pain can be relieved medically in so many ways:
- Joint injections
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin
- Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone
- Antibiotics
- Vitamin D and K, e.t.c
Top 10 Natural Ways To Relieve Joint Pain
To get rid of joint pain or arthritis in a natural way, you need to:
1. Exercise daily
Daily exercises like yoga, swimming, and cycling can help build stronger muscles around the joints, providing additional support and stability. When you exercise, you tend to maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress and anxiety, and reduce stiffness around the joints, which in turn reduces joint pain.
Exercises like gentle stretching and light weightlifting improve blood flow, thereby delivering oxygen and nutrients to the joints.
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2. Get enough sleep
Inflammation is one of the main causes of joint pain, and getting enough sleep can help regulate inflammation. When you sleep, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is produced. This can help maintain healthy joint fluid and cartilage.
3. Stay hydrated
Taking at least 8 glasses of water daily can go a long way in relieving joint pain, as it helps keep your joints lubricated, strong, and cushioned, thereby reducing friction in joint movement.
Adequate water helps flush out excess inflammatory toxins and reduce swelling and pain around the joint.
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4. Maintaining a healthy weight
Excess weight accelerates joint wear and tear as well as inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight can help to maintain proper joint alignment, mobility, and flexibility, thereby reducing pain and stiffness around the joint.
5. Avoid inflammatory foods
Inflammatory foods like processed meat, dairy products, and high-sodium foods trigger inflammation, promote oxidative stress, accelerate joint damage, and exacerbate pain and stiffness. Therefore, avoiding inflammatory foods can help with joint healing and reduce joint pain.
6. Massages
When you get a massage, endorphins are released. Endorphin is the body’s natural painkiller, and it can help relieve joint pain. Massage promotes blood flow, relaxes tensed muscles, increases flexibility, and breaks adhesion, which can contribute to tissue repair and joint pain.
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7. More intake of Omega 3 and vitamin D
Foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy, walnuts, etc. can help reduce inflammation and pain sensitivity around the joints.
More intake of Omega 3 can help regulate immune system and responses and promote healthy joint fluid and cartilage, thereby helping the joint to heal progressively.
8. Heat and cold therapy
This therapy reduces muscle spasms and tension, promotes blood flow, and reduces stiffness and inflammation around the joint. This can help in joint mobility and flexibility.
9. Intake of herbs and spices:
Herbs like turmeric, meadowsweet, rosemary, boswelia, and passion flower can help reduce inflammation and pain. They can also protect against oxidative stress, which damages the joint. More intake of these herbs can help modulate the immune system as well as calm the muscles.
10. More intake of foods rich in calcium and magnesium
These meals can help to maintain strong bones, relax your muscles, reduce cramps around the joint, and mobilize your joint.
They also have anti-oxidant properties, which help reduce stress and the risk of osteoporosis and joint pain.
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All these are great ways to relieve joint pain naturally. Know what works for you, and keep your joints healthy.
Prevention Of Joint Pain
Here are few tips on how to stay out of joint pain:
1. Drink enough water
Ensure you consume an adequate amount of water every day, as this can help regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, and deliver nutrients to the bone and tissue for proper functioning.
2. Exercise daily
Exercise helps to take off the pressure heavy weights apply to your joints, as well as strengthen the bones and joints and keep them healthy.
3. Keep good posture
Having poor posture can strain your joints. Good posture is the key to protecting your joints, especially in your neck, back and knees. Practicing good posture will help relieve strain and pain and allow your muscles to work more effectively to support your joint.
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4. Eat healthy
Vegetables, fish, beans and foods rich in calcium and magnesium can not only reduce your risk of joint pain but also boost your immune system and overall well-being
Try moving your body, as not moving can make your joints stiff.
Above all, try to maintain a healthy weight, as this is one of the common cause of joint pain.
Conclusion
Joint pain can be very uncomfortable and bothersome, and relieving joint pain naturally requires patience and a persistent approach. But by following all these tips, you will relieve joint pain and maintain a healthy joint, muscle, and overall well-being.