5 Ways to Reduce Joint Pain

According to the Center for Disease Control, over 15 million people suffer from chronic joint pain. If you’re one of those people, you know that joint pain can seem difficult to treat and can hinder your day-to-day activities. Joint pain can be caused by an injury, illness, or aging, but arthritis is the most common cause. There are plenty of remedies for joint pain, some are more common than others. Here are five popular ways of treating and managing joint pain.

5 Ways to Treat and Reduce Joint Pain

Weight Loss

Losing weight can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from joint pain. When you lose weight, you’re taking pressure off of your joints and reducing the wear and tear they endure on a daily basis. Excess pounds put stress on the joints, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Losing weight not only reduces the amount of stress on your joints but also has other health benefits, such as reducing your risk of heart disease and improving your overall mood.

Anti-inflammatory Diet

Following an anti-inflammatory diet is another great way to reduce joint pain. An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on eating whole, unprocessed foods and avoiding processed foods and artificial additives. Processed foods are packed with sugar and carbs, which can lead to inflammation in your body. For a list of anti-inflammatory foods, and a list of what sorts of foods to avoid, click here.

Low-intensity Exercise

Exercise has been known for decades as a means of relieving joint pain. Joint pain sufferers should focus on low-intensity exercises such as walking and swimming. These activities put less strain on the joints than high-intensity exercise does, but they’re still effective at increasing blood flow to your joints.

Ice Compressions

If you suffer from joint pain caused by an injury, applying ice compressions reduces inflammation and swelling. This specific treatment is really simple because it can be done at home with a bag of ice or by visiting your doctor for a cold compression therapy session. Cold compressions are very effective at reducing pain, but they must be used with caution to avoid damaging the skin.

Certain Supplements and Medications

There are certain supplements and medications that can help reduce joint pain. Fish oil supplements, for example, are known to be anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammation in the joints. Painkillers such as ibuprofen can also be effective at reducing pain in the joints. Speak to your doctor about what supplements and medications may be best for you.

 Joint pain can make everyday activities difficult, but there are plenty of ways to manage it. These five methods are some of the most popular and effective treatments for joint pain. Try out a few of these remedies and see which works best for you. Joint pain doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your life. For more information, or to set up an appointment with one of our specialists, feel free to contact us!