Cold will reduce swelling and heat will relax the muscles and joints. Steroids can aid in reducing swelling and inflammation that causes stiffness. Physical therapy and exercise help in improving mobility and maintaining a healthy weight, which can, in turn, reduce joint stiffness.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. They're components of cartilage—the substance that cushions the joints. Research on these supplements has been mixed, in part because studies have used varying designs and supplement types.
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.
Stretching and exercises like yoga and Pilates can help keep your muscles long and limber, and can help when you're feeling sore, too. If your muscles are hurting, try RICE therapy and over-the-counter pain medicine. See your doctor if you're in a lot of pain.
Recap. Some research has shown that people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from magnesium in their diet or as a supplement. Since arthritis can cause inflammation, magnesium's anti-inflammatory effects might help some people with the condition.
RICE method.
If you think your joint inflammation is due to a sudden injury, the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method is the first line of treatment to reduce pain and swelling. See an orthopedist if the pain and swelling don't diminish after RICE treatment.
As you age, joint movement becomes stiffer and less flexible because the amount of lubricating fluid inside your joints decreases and the cartilage becomes thinner. Ligaments also tend to shorten and lose some flexibility, making joints feel stiff.
Joint stiffness is caused by lack of movement, injuries, or conditions that cause joint inflammation like gout, osteoarthritis, or autoimmune forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
You cannot reverse the effects of joint aging, and while certain medications can help manage arthritis pain and inflammation, stiffness can still occur. Still, you can reduce the severity and frequency of morning joint stiffness by being more active and engaging in exercise to increase muscle strength and flexibility.
Bananas are high in magnesium, which helps strengthen bones and alleviate arthritis symptoms. Dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain iron that helps fight anemia resulting from anti-inflammatory medications.
A deficiency in magnesium is most likely to cause muscle stiffness because this nutrient is needed to keep muscles flexible and moving efficiently, as well as relaxed.
On the basis of this small case pool, vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency play an important role in chronic pain and muscle spasm in the musculoskeletal system.
Sitting for long periods of time can cause your blood flow to slow down which may lead to stiffness in your muscles. This is because your muscles need oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and stiffness. Studies show that those who ate omega-3 rich foods or took a fish oil supplement had a reduction in joint pain. If you're not a fan of fish, try plant-based sources of Omega-3 foods such as ground flax, flaxseed oil and walnuts.
Nassar says that taking a magnesium supplement every day likely isn't unsafe for most people. Just be sure you're not taking too much magnesium. The maximum dietary allowance for most adults is around 400 mg or less.
Feeling stiff is a common complaint, especially as you get older. Some people feel stiffer when they wake up in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Sometimes stiffness is due to an intense workout or new activity that your body is getting used to. Other times, stiffness can result from poor posture.
Arthritis is joint inflammation that can cause stiffness or pain. Learn more about the symptoms & treatments.