Joint conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia can make everyday activities difficult. Doctors may prescribe medication to relieve the pain, however, this alone isn’t always enough to cope with the pain and discomfort. Here are just a few alternative forms of pain relief that could help to take the ache out of your joints.
Drink cherry juice
Tart cherries have long been used as an alternative form of relief for joint pain. Studies have found that cherries can be particularly effective against gout, by helping to dissolve uric acid crystals in the joints that form as a result of this condition. Cherries have also been found to carry anti-inflammatory properties that make them effective against other joint conditions such as arthritis. Most people prefer to consume cherries as a juice, although cherry pie could also be effective.
Try turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with anti-inflammatory properties that have also been found to be very effective against joint pain, with some studies suggesting that it’s even more powerful than aspirin. You can buy turmeric as a powder – the best way to consume it is often in a glass of hot water. Turmeric can be used in cooking by sprinkling it on rice or scrambled egg or by mixing it in with a curry. You can even put it in your coffee – some coffee bars have even started serving turmeric lattes.
Get your fix of omega-3
Omega-3 is a nutrient found mostly in fish that carries a variety of benefits from boosting brainpower to easing inflammation. Herring, tuna, and mackerel have some of the highest contents of omega-3. If you’re not a fan of fish, you can still get your fix through other foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, and soya beans. You can also buy omega-3 supplements to take in order to get your intake of this nutrient.
Drink herbal tea
Many herbal teas are effective at fighting inflammation such as joint pain. Ginger tea is often used to fight stomach pain however it can have similar pain relieving properties on joints. Green tea can also be good at fighting joint pain and has long been used to fight rheumatoid arthritis. Try swapping out your morning cup of coffee or tea for one of these herbal solutions and see the difference it makes.
Use capsaicin cream
Capsaicin is an ingredient found in chilies – it’s the ingredient that provides that spicy kick. In its pure form, it can also be an effective pain reliever when applied as a cream. When applying this cream to your joints, the pain may initially intensify before fading away almost entirely. This is due to capsaicin’s impact on the pain receptors. When handling this cream you should be very careful not to touch your mouth or eyes and should wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Get a massage
Massages are used to treat chronic pain of all kinds. This is because they help to relax muscles and tendons around the source of the pain, whilst also helping to combat stress (which can intensify pain). A professional massager will be able to target the source of the joint pain using a variety of techniques. If your joint pain is the result of a sports injury, you could be better off seeking out a sports massage.
Give acupuncture a try
Acupuncture is another form of holistic therapy that involves targeting pressure points using thin needles. It’s long been used as a treatment for joint pain and whilst it may not have any scientific backing many people swear by this form of treatment. You should only ever get this treatment done at a certified clinic by a qualified professional. Some clinics may be able to provide multiple forms of treatments such as acupuncture and massages.
Invest in a hot tub
A dip in a hot tub could be a great way to soothe your aches and pains. This is because the hot jets of water help to provide a rush of feel-good endorphins around the body. This helps to fight stress and reduce pain. The buoyancy of the water also helps to take pressure off of joints, helping muscles and tendons to relax and fighting inflammation. A hot bath could be enough to provide the pain relief you need, but if you really want to take this form of hydrotherapy to the next level, it could be worth splashing out on a hot tub.
Go swimming
Exercise can be a great way to fight pain due to the endorphin rush that it offers. Physical activity can also help you to lose weight, which could help to reduce the pressure on the joint, particularly the hips and knees. Unfortunately, many forms of exercise can also aggravate joint pain – in particular, high-impact exercise such as running or playing tennis. Instead, you’re best sticking to low-impact exercise. Swimming is one of the best forms of this and can be particularly good for joint pain. This is because the water helps to take the stress of the joints whilst still providing the cardiovascular workout required to provide an endorphin rush. Try doing a few lengths at your local pool and see how you feel.
Try yoga
Yoga is another low-impact exercise that can help to fight joint pain. In fact, there are studies that show yoga can strengthen joints. Yoga involves a lot of stretches and static exercises that make it suitable for this kind of pain. You can find information about your local yoga class online. The likes of Pilates and Tai Chi can provide similar benefits to your joints.
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