5 Natural Ways to Help Heal Joint Pain

If you're experiencing joint pain often due to a previous accident or conditions like arthritis, you're likely looking for a solution that offers long-term relief. While there are several pain medications your doctor can prescribe, you can also turn to natural treatments to improve your health and range of motion. Here are some solutions that may help.

Lose Weight

Your weight has a significant impact on your joints and too much weight can contribute to joint pain. Excess weight also puts a lot of pressure on your joints, which is why you may experience discomfort in your feet, hips, and knees. Losing weight can also improve mobility and range of motion and prevent further joint damage.

Work Out

Weight loss is not the only benefit of working out. When you move your body regularly, your joints will become more flexible. WEight-bearing workouts that impact your joints like walking or running can cause more pain. Try to incorporate low-impact workouts to your health regimen such as swimming and water aerobics to work your joints without adding extra stress.

Alternative Therapies

Hot and cold therapy can improve joint discomfort. You can take a warm, long shower or bath in the morning to relieve joint stiffness. At night, you can keep your joints loses by using a heating pad or electric blanket. Cold treatments can alleviate swelling and inflammation. Wrap a bag of frozen vegetables or a gel ice pack around swollen joints for relief in a matter of minutes.

You may also want to try acupuncture for joint pain. This is an ancient Chinese remedy in which thin needles are inserted into different pressure points on the body. The insertions are said to restore physical balance by redirecting energies and alleviating pain. The World Health Organization recommends acupuncture for more than 100 health conditions.

Chiropractic medicine can also help you get rid of joint pain. A chiropractor will assess your concerns and provide treatment that aligns your spine and reduce muscle and joint pain. It's important to check for licensed chiropractors in your city or state to ensure you're getting the best service. For instance, if you live in or near the Jonesboro area, you can search for 'chiropractor in Jonesboro GA' to find a qualified professional who will help you manage joint discomfort.

Relaxation and medication also help with pain management. When your stress levels are lowered, you can better cope with joint pain. The National Institutes of Health assert that mindfulness meditation can benefit people with painful joints. Other studies have proven that pain is reduced when pain levels drop. You can also lower your stress levels by breathing slowly for two minutes and focusing on your breath. Listening to music, engaging in a creative hobby, or spending time with people who make you laugh can be helpful as well.

Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids should be an essential part of everyone's diet. These fats can also help with arthritis and other forms of joint pain. Taking a fish oil supplement, which is rich in omega-3s, has been proven to reduce pain and joint stiffness.

GLA or gamma-linolenic acid is also beneficial for joint health. This fatty acid is found on foods like black currants and hemp, or you can take a borage or evening primrose supplement.

If you suffer from joint pain, you may also want to try turmeric. Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian entrees. The spice contains curcumin, which can reduce pain and inflammation. You can add it to meat and vegetable dishes to experience its benefits.

There are also several herbal supplements you can take daily to improve joint pain. They include Boswellia, bromelain, ginkgo, devil's claw, stinging nettle, and thunder god vine. Bromelain is an enzyme that is found in pineapples, so adding these fruits to your diet can relieve joint discomfort as well.

Before you start taking a natural supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor about the benefits and side effects of these herbal medicines. You'll also need to know if these supplements will interact negatively with any of your prescription medications. Keep in mind that since herbs are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration you should make sure you're purchasing your supplements from a reputable company.

These lifestyle and diet tips can improve your quality of life by alleviating joint pain so you can get back to doing the things you love.