Ease Your Joint Pain Aches
By Donna Kostiew
Joint pain is a common condition that affects millions of people every year, my young daughter being one of them. I see her struggle every day, and although the pain may be mild for some people, for others, like her, it can be completely debilitating. My daughter has yet to enter into her 20s. She should be out there dancing, hiking, biking, and walking, but she isn’t. It has affected her ability to enjoy the daily activities that so many don’t even think twice about. And she is not alone. Joint pain from arthritis affects people of all ages and it is one of the main causes of disability in the United States.
Although many people rely on over-the-counter pain medication to reduce their joint pain, it isn’t always the best choice. With medications come risks, and some of them can be deadly. But with simple lifestyle changes and drug-free techniques, your joint pain can be alleviated.
Drug-Free Alternatives to Treat Joint Pain
If you're living with joints that ache, or if you are living with joints that do more than ache, try these natural remedies to ease your pain.
- Anti-inflammatory diet – Inflammation of the joints can be the source of pain for many, so doctors typically prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. It makes sense then to try to add those kinds of agents into your diet. Certain foods such as fish, beans, and fresh fruit and vegetables have been shown to reduce the amount of inflammation.
- Light exercise - A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to joint pain, but you don't need to hit the gym every day to reduce your pain. Try some low-impact exercises such as swimming, yoga and walking to strengthen and get your joints moving without any added stress.
- Weight loss - If one of the sources of your joint pain is extra weight, then this is something to consider. It isn’t easy, and it may take time, but losing pounds and taking that added stress off your joints may ease some of your symptoms. While your body can’t reverse arthritis or regrow absent cartilage (my daughter’s issue), losing weight can help your joints feel better and will prevent further damage.
- Warm baths - Warm baths always sound like a good idea, don’t they? Well, they can also work wonders on your aching joints when you add Epsom salts to your bath water. Epsom salts have been known for years to help with pain relief, especially for stiff sore joints.
The desperation for pain relief when dealing with debilitating joint pain can consume the best of us. Hopefully, these tips will make a difference in your life and get you back to doing the activities you love.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.
