Joint pain can be caused by injury
affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint.
Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, and bones within the joint.
Pain is also a feature of joint inflammation (arthritis, such as rheumatoid
arthritis and osteoarthritis) and infection, and extremely rarely it can
be a cause of cancer of the joint. Pain within the joint is a
common cause of shoulder pain, ankle pain, and knee pain. Joint
pain is also referred to as arthralgia. The sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to joint pain.
Symptoms
and signs associated with joint pain can include
- joint redness,
- joint swelling,
- joint tenderness,
- joint warmth,
- limping,
- locking of the joint,
- loss of range of motion of the joint,
- stiffness,
- Weakness.
Remedies
for Joint Pain
1.
Massage
Massage
therapy helps relieve joint pain by improving circulation and soothing
inflammation. In fact, several studies indicate that regular massage can
improve pain, stiffness and range of motion in the affected joint.
To massage
the affected area, use warm oil like coconut, olive, mustard, castor or garlic
oil and apply gentle pressure while massaging.
2. Hot
and Cold Compresses
Alternating
hot and cold compresses can also help ease joint pain. Heat therapy helps
decrease pain, increase blood flow and relax sore muscles and joints. Cold
therapy reduces inflammation and numbs the areas around the affected joint.
- Wrap both compresses in separate
towels before using them. They should not be applied directly to the skin.
- Place the hot compress on the affected
area for about three minutes.
- Remove the compress and immediately
put a cold compress in its place for about one minute.
- Repeat the process for 15 to 20
minutes a few times daily until you get relief.
Note: Do
not use heat therapy if the affected area is red, hot and irritated. Do not use
cold therapy if you have circulatory problems.
3.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is
a popular home remedy for joint pain due to its antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly beneficial for those
suffering from arthritis.
- Swallow one teaspoon of finely ground
fenugreek seeds followed by a glass of lukewarm water. Do this daily in
the morning until you get positive results.
- Alternatively, you can simply soak one
teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and eat them the next
morning.
4.
Turmeric
Turmeric is
an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for joint pain. It contains an active ingredient
called curcumin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In a 2009
study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,
researchers compared the effectiveness of this compound to ibuprofen and found
that curcumin was as effective as ibuprofen for pain relief in patients with
knee osteoarthritis.
- Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder
and a little honey in a glass of warm milk. Drink it daily, at least for a
few days.
- Another option is to take 250 to 500
mg turmeric capsules three times daily until you are satisfied with the
results.
Note: Talk
to your doctor before including either of these remedies in your regular
routine. Turmeric may interfere with certain medications, such as blood
thinners, and may worsen gallbladder problems.
5. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar helps reduce joint pain by eliminating accumulated toxins from the
joints and connective tissues.
Due to its
alkalizing effect, it is particularly beneficial for those suffering from
arthritis. Plus, it is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium and
phosphorus.
- Mix one to three teaspoons of organic
apple cider vinegar and a little honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this
solution two or three times a day, preferably before meals. You can
continue this simple treatment on a regular basis because, in addition to
helping with joint pain, it is good for your overall health.
- You can also massage the affected area
with a mixture of one tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and olive
oil. Do this daily until your joint pain is gone.
6.
Cayenne
Cayenne
pepper contains a compound called capsaicin with natural analgesic or
pain-relieving properties.
- Slightly heat one-half cup of coconut
oil. Mix in two tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder. Apply it on the
affected area, leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off. Do this a
few times a day until you get relief from the pain
- Alternatively, you can use a capsaicin
cream topically on the affected area daily.
Note: Cayenne
may initially cause a burning sensation. Do not apply it on open skin or wounds
REMEMBER
The knee
joint is particularly vulnerable to damage and pain because it takes the full
weight of your body.