Most people experience joint pain at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, it can affect their mobility and quality of life. Joint pain relief doesn’t have to be complicated, though. Many natural approaches to relieving this pain will get you up and moving again.
1. Herbs & Spices
It may seem odd that what you eat can affect your joints, but many herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory properties. That means they can help reduce the swelling in your joints so you can move with less pain.
The list of effective herbs and spices is pretty long, but here are a few to consider.
Turmeric
If you love Indian food, you are familiar with this orange-colored spice. Turmeric is known for more than its intense flavor. It’s made from the curcumin plant’s pulp, which research indicates may help regulate inflammation.
A few studies have shown turmeric is effective in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It may help reduce pro-inflammatory cells, which, in turn, controls swelling.
The downside to using turmeric as a treatment for arthritis joint pain is the body does not readily absorb it. This means that you would need to make turmeric a regular part of your diet to see its effectiveness. If you’re not a big fan of Indian cuisine, you can make turmeric tea; this also makes it easier to increase your turmeric intake.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another strong spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 review found that this spice offers both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Cinnamon is a versatile spice, as well. You can add it to savory dishes to give them heat or use it with sugar to sweeten up your morning oatmeal. You can even take extra cinnamon in capsule form if you are not a fan of the flavor.
Ginger
Ginger is a traditional natural treatment for inflammation and arthritis joint pain. A 2019 study found that ginger is an effective joint pain relief remedy. It may also alter gene expression for those with rheumatoid arthritis, easing their symptoms.
Ginger is another versatile spice that is delicious in drinks, desserts, and main dishes. Whether it’s ginger tea or a side of pickled ginger with your sushi, working this spice into your diet is easier than you might think!
2. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy might not seem like it belongs on a list of natural remedies, but it is just using light as a treatment. Light is one of the most natural things and is especially effective for pain management.
Laser therapy helps to reduce the inflammation that comes with arthritis. By decreasing the swelling, laser therapy can take the pressure off nerve endings that send pain signals. It is a simple and pain-free approach to managing the discomfort of arthritis.
3. Stretching
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body, starting with stretching. Unfortunately, people tend to associate pain with the need to rest. The truth is arthritis pain increases when you don’t stay active.
Stretching improves your circulation any time during the day, even if you don’t have a regular exercise routine. That improved circulation is good for vascular and heart health and relieves stiffness that impacts your range of motion.
It is also something you can do just about anywhere. So whether you are brushing your teeth or watching television, you can stretch out those muscles.
4. Massage
Massage is a natural way to improve circulation and provide joint pain relief. In addition, moderate pressure will bring blood to the site, and more strenuous massage can improve muscle strength and movement.
Massage isn’t a long-term treatment for arthritis, though. It offers temporary pain relief, especially when combined with other forms of therapy like stretching. A little massage around a joint after exercise can improve recovery, too.
5. Common Sense Approaches to Joint Pain Relief
Along with these treatment options, there are some common sense approaches to try to help manage arthritis pains, starting with hot and cold therapy.
Hot Therapy
Hot therapy warms up the joints and loosens them up. You can heat aching joints using a hot water bottle, an electric heating pad, or a hot bath. In addition, over-the-counter heat wraps give you pain relief all day.
Cold Therapy
Arthritis pain responds well to cold therapy, too. This is because cold naturally reduces swelling and also slows the nerve signals, which, in turn, interrupts pain signals.
You can apply cold with an ice pack, a bag of ice, or frozen food. Just wrap the cold item in a towel before pressing it against your skin.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Add good sleep habits to the list of common sense approaches for pain management. Sleep gives your body time to heal itself. Establish regular times for going to bed and getting up each day. You’ll want to follow this schedule even when you don’t go to work.
Get more support for your joint pain through these remedies and advanced techniques like laser therapy.
