March 26, 2014

Health Spotlight: Natural Remedies for Joint Pain

Photo by Lucaxx Freire on Unsplash

Joint health issues affect millions of people across the country. There are numerous causes of joint problems; everything from a simple fall to a chronic illness can cause serious pain, swelling, and immobility for those who suffer. Research on the most effective method to relieve joint pain is ongoing, and people have many different opinions on what works best – it all depends on the person, their overall health and lifestyle, and a variety of other factors.

Osteoarthritis/Arthritis

The term arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. There are many different forms of arthritis. One of these is known as Osteoarthritis, where the surface cartilage in the joints breaks down and wears away. Without that surface cartilage your bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the joint. Another form of arthritis is called Rheumatoid Arthritis, a severe joint condition that might also cause fevers, fatigue, frequent illness, and even permanent joint damage.

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Joints fall into two categories. They can be either rigid joints, like the ones between the bones in your skull, or movable joints like your knees, shoulders and hips. Movable joints are more often affected when it comes to serious pain. Joint pain can sometimes be debilitating, preventing you from going on with your daily routine. Making an effort to keep your joints healthy before the pain gets too severe will allow you to walk, run, jump, and play sports throughout your life. Natural vitamins and supplements can be a great option for joint pain relief and possibly prevent future problems. Here are some of the best natural remedies for joint pain.

Natural Remedies to Support Joint Health

Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain and discomfort. A number of factors contribute to joint pain, which often keeps individuals from carrying out their daily activities. Joint health supplements have been shown to help maintain joint health and significantly decrease the pain and discomfort caused by injury, strain, disease, infection, or arthritis. Clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of these joint health supplements to support the overall health and flexibility of joints.

Glucosamine is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the cartilage of your joints. It helps keep your joints healthy and lubricated. But when the cartilage wears away for any reason, the natural glucosamine decreases, too, leading to joint discomfort and pain. In supplement form, glucosamine can be very effective in easing joint pain. It has also been shown in studies to slow down the natural process of cartilage deterioration throughout aging.

Turmeric is a plant naturally grown in India, and it has been used in ancient medicine for centuries. One of its active ingredients, curcumin, has been known to reduce joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and other symptoms that stem from arthritis. Turmeric also acts as an anti-inflammatory. It’s been studied for its possible ability to prevent joint conditions in addition to relieving symptoms in those who already suffer.

Bromelain is found naturally in pineapples, and it acts as an anti-inflammatory. It can help decrease pain and swelling, increase mobility, and reduce inflammation in people with joint pain. Check your allergies before taking bromelain – you may have a reaction if you’re allergic to pineapples, latex, or bees!

Talk to your doctor for other alternative remedies if you suffer from joint problems or arthritis. A natural supplement may be the answer for your joint problems, allowing you to move freely again.