Joint pain and sore muscles can occur for a variety of reasons, including arthritis, tendinitis, a sprain, bursitis or an injury that affects the joints and soft tissues in the body. Chronic pain can occur anywhere in the body; however, the most common areas affects are the back, shoulders, hips and knees. Pain levels can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by stiffness and swelling. We have gathered the top ten remedies that can reduce joint pain and sore muscles.
If you have severe or continuing pain or your pain lasts longer than three days or is accompanied by redness, swelling or tenderness, consult your doctor. If your pain is mild, try these natural remedies to help ease your pain.
Acupuncture – Acupuncture uses tiny needles that are placed into the body. When these needles are inserted into the body, the body releases natural painkillers (endogenous opioids) to help relieve pain. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce arthritis pain by almost half when performed for six months, according to the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Epsom Salt Baths – Epsom salt can help to regenerate and heal damaged joint tissues and muscles. Epsom salt contains magnesium that helps the body heal itself. Because magnesium is absorbed faster and better through the skin, try taking a warm bath with a cup or two added to your bathwater and soak for 20 minutes to help ease your pain.
Exercise – Low impact exercises like walking or swimming, stretching and strength training exercises can help improve your pain. Exercise works in several different ways. It increases blood flow to the injured area and causes the body to release endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. Stretching reduces the risk of muscle spasms and promotes faster healing of damaged soft tissues in the body.
Functional Chiropractic Care – If you are looking for chronic pain relief, look no further than a functional chiropractic specialist . This specialized chiropractor looks at abnormal movement patterns, tests for instability and weakness in the body and helps to relieve pain using biomechanical and orthopedic testing. Gentle manipulations help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, improves nerve flow and circulation in the body to help relieve your chronic pain.
Healthy Fats – Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil lubricates joints and eases the pain by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes in the body. Olive oil can be applied topically to the painful areas and massaged in or can be taken internally to help reduce inflammation. When choosing an olive oil, look for cold-pressed olive oil as heat destroys the beneficial properties of olive oil.
Herbal Remedies – There are a number of herbs that have been shown to relieve pain, decrease inflammation and promote healing. Turmeric, holy basil and ginger are used to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. White willow bark contains Salicin that is converted into salicylic acid by the body. Salicylic acids decrease prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation in the body. Bromelain is a digestive enzyme from the stem of a pineapple that helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the musculoskeletal system.
Hot And Cold Compresses – Alternating between hot and cold compresses relieve joint pain in two different ways. First, a hot compress relaxes sore soft tissues and joint pain, increases blood flow to the injured area and decreases pain. The cold compresses are used to numb the area and reduce inflammation in the area. When using hot and cold therapy, never apply the compress to bare skin. Instead, wrap the compress in a towel. Apply the hot compress to the area for three minutes. Then place the cold compress on the affected area for a minute. Continue alternating the compresses for fifteen to twenty minutes three times a day.
Massage With Essential Oils – Massage therapy has been shown to soothe inflammation, improve circulation and relieve pain. Additionally, therapeutic massage can increase your range of motion and help the body heal the underlying cause of your pain. Coupling therapeutic massage with healing essential oils can compound the beneficial effects of massage therapy. Some of the top essential oils for pain relief include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and ginger.
Topical Capsaicin Ointments – Capsaicin found in peppers desensitizes the nerve receptors in the body to help reduce pain and neuropathy. Capsaicin ointments also improve blood flow to the area to help decrease inflammation and soothe achy muscles. Apply the ointment to the affected area up to four times daily to relieve pain.
Vitamins – High quality vitamins provide the body with the nutrients that it needs to reduce joint pain and muscle pain. Calcium helps to relieve pain, muscle spasms and soreness. Antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E blocks free radicals in the body to prevent inflammation and damage to the tissues in the body. Finally, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12) help with a number of painful conditions, including low back pain, neuropathy, degenerative spine disorders and rheumatic diseases by reducing inflammation and neutralizing pain processes in the body.
Research has shown that natural remedies can help promote joint health, improve circulation and relieve pain. Are ready to improve your quality of life using research backed natural remedies to manage your chronic pain? Try out our top ten natural remedies for pain relief.
So many of my loved ones suffer from joint pain, so I am delighted that you shared these natural remedies for joint pain and sore muscles. I am using many of these remedies on my loved ones including dietary change and massage with essential oils. I’m pinning and sharing these great tips.
The permanent solution for Arthritis pain may not be possible, There are only medicines and excercises, which can only give temporary relief.