Use of heat, such as applying heating pads to aching joints, taking hot baths or showers, or immersing painful joints in warm paraffin wax, can help relieve pain temporarily. Be careful not to burn yourself. Use heating pads for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Hot and Cold Packs
Apply a hot pack to the area for 20 minutes and follow it up with a cold pack right away for 20 minutes. You can do this every day the joint pain occurs for at least 15 minutes. This is a form of first aid and joint pain remedy if the injury is still fresh.
Try Heat and Cold.
Heat increases blood flow to painful joints, relaxes tight muscles and helps eliminate waste products. Cold decreases blood flow to reduce swelling, slows the transmission of pain signals through nerves and inhibits inflammatory chemicals.
Although studies on glucosamine and chondroitin have been mixed, some evidence suggests they may help relieve OA joint pain and stiffness. What Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin? Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds found in healthy cartilage — the connective tissue that cushions joints.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
Alternating between hot and cold therapies can help soothe pain and control inflammation. Cold therapy reduces inflammation, while hot therapy stimulates blood flow and relaxes your muscles.
As a general rule, use ice for acute injuries or pain, along with inflammation and swelling. Use heat for muscle pain or stiffness. Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, you may be placing extra stress and strain on your joints.
Topical treatments, such as ointments or gels that can be rubbed into the skin over the affected joint area, may also help ease pain. Some of these may be found over the counter, or the doctor may write a prescription. Dietary supplements, like glucosamine, may help relieve pain.
Turmeric. A golden spice that's long been used to lend color and flavor to foods, turmeric also has been used in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions, including arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.
Visit a healthcare provider as soon as you notice bone pain. It's important to get the cause of the pain diagnosed as soon as possible. No matter what's causing it, don't ignore new pain in your bones, especially if it's getting worse or doesn't go away in a few days.
“Osteoarthritis often flares after overexertion of the joint or joints that are involved,” Dr. Ashany says. With OA, “unexpected activity can stress out the joints and surrounding tissues and cause pain,” Dr. Bose says.
Do you know that one of the most vital nutrients that promote bone health is Vitamin D? Yes, multiple studies show that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to joint pain and swelling. As Vitamin D is required for bone building and bone health, therefore a deficiency of it will negatively affect the bones.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, either over-the-counter or prescribed, can reduce joint pain. Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and Celebrex are all classified as NSAIDs. For arthritis, you may need a prescription anti-inflammatory.
Drinking your coffee black is going to be your best bet when it comes to fully enjoying its anti-inflammatory properties, as research has shown that diets higher in sugar can contribute to inflammation. If you're not a fan of black coffee, just try limiting your intake of added sugar and super sugary coffee creamers.
There is some evidence to support the claim that turmeric, green tea, and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. For people with inflammatory health conditions, consuming these herbal remedies could be useful for reducing inflammation.
Acetaminophen is a safe alternative to NSAIDs for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. In addition, certain supplements can help provide relief from inflammation and pain. Common alternatives to NSAIDs include arnica, curcumin, and bromelain.
Vitamin D is believed to have an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action, and its deficiency has been linked with several autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Treatments for Joint Pain
It may go away after a few weeks (acute), or last for several weeks or months (chronic). Even short-term pain and swelling in the joints can affect your quality of life. Whatever the cause of joint pain, you can usually manage it with medication, physical therapy, or alternative treatments.
Another study showed curcumin played a role in preventing bone breakdown in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Reports show that curcumin should be paired alongside black pepper. The active compound in pepper, piperine, can increase the absorption of curcumin.