Joint pain is any discomfort, aching, soreness, or inflammation in any of the body joints, such as the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles.
In extreme cases, there can be intense swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint, with a reduced range of joint motion. Consult a healthcare professional if, along with other symptoms, you feel extreme fatigue, fever, or weight loss.
Though joint pain may have different symptoms and varied gravity for everyone, the factors causing joint pain are usually common.
Causes Of Joint Pain
- Arthritis: it is a leading cause of joint pain, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Its symptoms are inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints.
- Injury: Undoubtedly, injury can be a cause of joint pain. Sprain, strain, or fracture are common injuries that can cause joint pain that may be acute or chronic, depending on the severity of the injury.
- Overuse: Overuse of a joint, such as through repetitive motions, can lead to joint pain. Athletes or anyone employed in jobs that require repetitive motions, such as typing or lifting heavy objects, usually complain of joint pain and stiffness.
- Infection: Joint pain can also be caused by an infection, such as in cases of septic arthritis or Lyme disease.
- Autoimmune conditions: includes lupus or scleroderma that can cause joint pain and inflammation.
- Gout: Gout is arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often leads to extreme pain and inflammation.
- Osteoporosis is a common condition in which bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. Men and women may have osteoporosis with age, but women are more likely to develop the condition due to smaller, thinner bone structures and menopause.
- Other possible causes: fibromyalgia, cancer, and metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis.
The cause may be any, but if you are in immense discomfort and pain that hampers the quality of your life, consult with the concerned doctor ASAP.
But for those keen to treat joint pain naturally for reasons like the preference for natural remedies as they feel they are more in line with a holistic approach to health, these are the following 6 Natural Treatments For Joint Pain and Stiffness.
Natural Joint Pain Treatment
Natural remedies have proven effective for mild to moderate joint pain; some people prefer to try these before taking prescription medication.
Here are some natural, effective remedies for joint pain treatment that also add overall value to your health:
Exercise: Top natural treatment for joint pain treatment is exercise. It contradicts the notion that one must avoid exercise with ongoing joint pain. Certain exercises help strengthen the muscles around the joints, reducing pain and stiffness. If you have been into hard-core exercising, you may have to tone it down with Low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming can be effective for joint pain.
P.S: This time, go beyond conventional walking and cycling. Try water aerobics, pilates, and yoga. Experience new things to feel better.
Weight management: Excessive weight will put your joint muscles under strain. Weight management is essential for joint pain because excess weight can stress the joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. It enhances the wear and tear on the joint, which can cause pain and stiffness.
For example, in people with osteoarthritis, excess weight can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and inflammation. Losing weight reduces the load on the joints, improving joint function and reducing pain.
Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce joint stress, pain, and stiffness and is great for overall wellness.
P.S: Losing weight can be particularly beneficial for people with osteoarthritis.
Heat and cold therapy: Both are effective but should be assessed as per the medical condition. The therapy depends on the type of injury and the stage of inflammation. Here are some general guidelines:
Heat therapy:
When to do heat therapy: you may use heat therapy for chronic joint pain or stiffness or to ease a muscle sprain.
- Apply heat for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
- Heat can be applied through warm towels, heating pads, or baths.
- Avoid heat therapy if the joint is swollen or red, as this can increase inflammation.
P.S. If the condition worsens or doesn’t improve after practicing heat therapy, then you should connect with your healthcare professional.
Cold therapy:
When to do cold therapy:
Cold therapy involves using cold baths, ice massages, or commercial cold packs to reduce pain and inflammation. It is ideal for acute injuries or sprains, strains, or swelling.
- Apply cold therapy for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
- Avoid cold therapy if you have circulation problems or sensory deficits.
Ayurvedic Oils: Various studies have shown that certain oils have been proven to relieve joint pain. These oils are made from various herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients and are believed to work by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and nourishing the joints.
Many different types of Ayurvedic oils can be used for joint pain, each with its unique blend of ingredients. MSM (M) and Ligacare Pain Oil from Yogic Naturals are the most commonly used oils. The combo of these two Ayurvedic oils has shown excellent results in the following:
- Reducing inflammation in the joints.
- Lubricating the joints to reduce friction and improve joint mobility.
- Improves circulation to the joints, helps reduce pain, and promotes healing.
- Most importantly relaxes muscles around the joints, which can reduce tension and stiffness.
For best results, follow the instructions, use it regularly, and experience holistic recovery and re-living without joint pain. For those not keen on strong medicines that can have side effects, it is undoubtedly one natural, proven way to enjoy your daily life without stress or joint pain.
Acupuncture: Though it is one of the natural joint pain treatments for safety purposes and effective results, getting the treatment from a professional acupuncturist is recommended. Professional treatment is recommended as it involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body.
- It becomes effective in joint pain in this way:
- It helps to reduce inflammation in the joints by increasing blood flow and promoting the release of natural anti-inflammatory compounds in the body.
- It stimulates the release of endorphins, natural painkillers produced by the body.
- It increases blood flow, and repairs damaged tissues which promote healing.
Add More Haldi To Your Diet: Indian spices have much more value than making our food delicious and look vibrant. Turmeric is an Indian spice used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat various conditions, including joint pain. Curcumin, the active ingredient, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Though more studies are being done to understand its effectiveness, it is still a great and safe natural joint pain treatment.
So go ahead and yellow up your dishes for taste, vibrancy, and also for relief from joint pain.
The Pain-Free Takeaway:
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2022, the prevalence of joint pain in India is high, with an estimated 15% of the population affected.
The study found that joint pain was more common among women, older adults, and those with a lower socioeconomic status. The most commonly affected joints were the knee, back, hip, and shoulder.
If you are experiencing joint pain, do not delay the Natural Joint Pain Treatment. However, you may consult your doctor too beforehand. Natural remedies can be a great way to manage joint pain and prevent it from worsening. Start your Natural Joint Pain Treatment for these major benefits:
- Natural remedies such as exercise, diet, and supplements can effectively manage joint pain and improve joint health.
- Mostly all natural remedies are safe and have fewer side effects than medications. It is great for the ones who want to avoid the potential risks associated with medication.
- Natural Joint Pain Treatments are more affordable than medications or medical procedures.
- Addressing joint pain at the earliest is the way forward. It helps to prevent further damage to the joints. It can help to reduce the risk of complications and improve overall joint health.
