Imagine waking up in the morning with a severe ache and stiffness in your knees. It can really be frustrating and a sign of nuisance for individuals. You have to depend on painkillers to soothe your pain. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to get relief from the pain without taking painkillers every day.
Arthritis or joint pain is a common condition that affects millions of people. Chronic joint pain is extremely debilitating and interferes with daily activities. Whether it is due to ageing, injuries or any other conditions, the constant discomfort makes it difficult for patients to perform even the simplest of tasks. There are many people who resort to taking over-the-counter painkillers daily, however, these medicines come with a host of side effects.
There are several natural ways by which it is possible to cure, manage and alleviate severe joint aches, says a reputed joint pain specialist doctor.
So, let us get to know them.
Below are some of the effective natural remedies to relieve the pain and promote your overall joint health.
Patients with joint pain might find it a bit hard to engage in physical activities. However, regular exercise and stretching help replenish lubrication in the joint cartilage. Light exercises like walking, jogging and cycling reduce inflammation, stiffness and improve flexibility. It also keeps the muscles around the affected joint strong, decreases bone loss and helps control joint swelling.
Research suggests that diet plays an active role in the management of arthritis pain. Patients with inflammatory conditions greatly benefit from increased intake of Omega 3 fatty acids and a vegan diet. Also, including garlic, ginger, broccoli, spinach and grapes decreases joint stiffness and pain. It is always advisable to consult a joint pain specialist doctor before considering or eliminating foods to make sure that you do not suffer from nutritional deficiency.
Hot and cold therapy is known to stimulate the body’s healing process. Place a heating pad on the affected area for around 20-30 minutes at a comfortable temperature. You can place a towel in between to avoid burns. Applying heat dilates the blood vessels and increases the blood flow which eventually results in more oxygen supply. This relaxes the muscles and makes the body limber for performing activities. On the other hand, cold therapy numbs the nerve endings and constricts the blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation and acute pain.
Essential oils are extracted from different components of plants and are known for their therapeutic properties and aromatherapy. Individuals with arthritis are often recommended eucalyptus oil, ginger oil and turmeric oil. You can take a few drops of the oil and gently massage around the painful area for around 30 minutes. They not only soothe the pain but also give relief from sprains and swelling around the joints.
Nature has provided us with a lot of herbs that have shown positive results in getting rid of joint pain. One of the effective herbal supplements is Boswellia which reverses the symptoms of arthritis. Another useful herb is ginger to helps with cartilage deterioration and improves joint health. You can take it in tea or raw in the morning. Moreover, there are several reports that suggest taking Devil’s Claws for 8-12 weeks to block the pathways that cause inflammation and joint pain.
It is always best to use natural remedies along with treatments for joint pain. Your joint pain specialist doctor will suggest anti-inflammatory drugs and acupuncture to give you quick relief from the discomfort. In the meantime, use natural remedies to prevent aggravation of the pain and keep it under check.