Joint pain is a common occurrence for many people but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Suffering in silence won’t be of any benefit to you but you also don’t have to go to the extreme of breaking the bank for ‘miracle cures’.
There are some simple things you can do that can make a huge difference to your aches and pains. Here are some tips on how to relieve joint pain and live a better life.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese has strong links to joint pain and arthritis. Many studies have shown that people who are overweight are far more likely to report joint pain because the body is carrying weight it shouldn’t be and straining the joints.
The good news is, you can make a significant difference in your pain levels just by losing a few pounds. If you stick to a weight loss programme and lose even more, you’re likely to feel a drastic change.
2. Stay Active
You’d be forgiven for thinking that you should rest while you’re in pain. However, when it comes to joint pain, the opposite is true. Being inactive could cause your pain and discomfort to worsen.
Although you should avoid intense exercise, gentle exercise like Yoga, aqua aerobics or lifting small weights, can help to strengthen your muscles and joints. If you frequently visit a medical practitioner for your joints, ask them to give you a gentle exercise programme that you can follow at home.
3. Epsom Salts
When your joints and muscles are painful, it can sometimes help to try and relax them. Epsom salts are fantastic for lowering inflammation due to the high contents of magnesium and sulfates. The contents are absorbed by the skin and work to bring relaxation and relief.
Adding two cups of salt to a warm bath and soaking your body for at least twenty minutes can help you to have a good night’s rest. If there’s a particular area of your body that’s suffering, douse a towel in the salty water and use it as a compress instead.
4. Copper Cream
The properties of copper have long been hailed as a relief method for joint and muscle pain. You may have heard about copper bracelets that can offer relief when the skin absorbs the properties as you wear it throughout the day.
However, copper cream is even better. You don’t have to wait as long for your skin to absorb copper cream so the results are usually much quicker and far more effective.
5. Diet Change
If you’re suffering from joint and muscle pain, you may need to change your diet accordingly. Foods that are anti-inflammatory will help you to control pain levels on a long-term basis.
Studies have shown that gluten and dairy are two of the most inflammatory food groups you can consume. Cutting these out from your diet could make you feel a whole lot better. Similarly, adding things like probiotics and anti-inflammatory enzymes or supplements will also go a long way to stopping your pain.
6. Curcumin
There are many progressive doctors in the US and UK, such as Dr. Axe, who believe that gut health is vital when it comes to inflammation anywhere in the body.
Curcumin is a substance found in Turmeric. Perhaps you’ve noticed an increase in the number of people who drink turmeric tea over the years. This is because it is one of the best free-radical fighters available to us. Along with improving intestinal and gut health, it can also aid liver function.
7. Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, also known as Omega-3s, are vital for joint and bone health. It’s possible to get your Omega-3s from your diet. Foods like wild salmon, mackerel, grass-fed beef, and sardines are all high in Omega-3.
However, when you’re suffering from joint pain, it may be important to supplement your Omega-3 intake. You should be aware that it can take more than three months for supplements to take effect, so don’t give up if you don’t see an immediate change.
8. Gelatin and Collagen
Simply put, gelatin is the cooked version of collagen. Both gelatin and collagen have been used by athletes for years to encourage joint and bone strength, as well as ligament healing. There are tons of benefits to taking gelatin and collagen.
Along with aiding the relief of joint pain, they can also support weight loss, increase muscle mass, and even give you healthier hair, nails, and skin. Since gelatin is cooked, there are a variety of different delicious recipes you can try.
People often use gelatin as an egg replacement, so there’s an array of desserts you can indulge in after a hard day.
9. Vitamin D
You may have noticed that your body tends to feel better in the summer months when you’re able to soak up the sun. That’s because vitamin D goes a long way when it comes to joint pain relief.
It’s always a good idea to take a vitamin D supplement or a multivitamin with a high dosage of vitamin D throughout the darker months.
Your Guide on How to Relieve Joint Pain
There are lots of ways you can relieve joint pain at home. The best option is to try a few different methods and create your own guide on how to relieve joint pain.
Take a look at some simple products you can keep on your person or in the office when you need quick joint relief.