Natural treatment options for joint pain

Injury and arthritis are two of the most common causes of joint pain, and both cause inflammation. By controlling inflammation, you can experience relief from pain and improved function and flexibility. Conventional treatment would have arthritis patients take anti-inflammatories and other pain-relieving drugs, however, natural treatments can also be part of comprehensive joint pain treatment plans.

Just as there are foods that cause inflammation, there are foods that can fight it, which benefits your joints and relieves pain. Fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, whole grains, lentils, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are some examples. Hot peppers have capsaicin, which is known for its inflammation-reducing and pain-relieving properties. Ginger too has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is well known for relieving joint pain from arthritis. Turmeric has a compound called curcumin, which reduces inflammation and blood pressure levels. Foods such as deep-fried snacks, processed foods, baked goods, and red meat can make joint pain worse and are best avoided.

Excessive weight bears down on your joints, particularly your weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and ankles. Being overweight can accelerate the breakdown of the protective cartilage over the joints and cause arthritis, which is one of the most common causes of joint pain. Weight loss can also improve mobility. Losing weight is strongly recommended for patients with arthritis symptoms as part of joint pain treatment.

A well-known joint pain treatment is temperature therapy. Heat and cold therapy used alternately can provide relief. A hot compress helps ease spasms and stiffness, while a cold compress relieves pain and swelling.

Physical therapy is a treatment option for joint pain from injury or arthritis. Physical therapy usually consists of low-impact exercises to keep your joints lubricated, mobile, and limber. Each program contains stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises to help with pain, stiffness, and gradual restoration of joint function. If the muscles around the joint are strong, pain is relieved, since there is less pressure on the joint.