10 Home Remedies for Joint Pain and Arthritis
23 percent of adults in the United States have arthritis, totaling approximately 54 million people. Of those, fifteen million report severe joint pain due to arthritis [1]. Joint pain can be debilitating, but there are remedies you can use at home to help manage your symptoms and reclaim your life.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, though other forms include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus [1]. This article will focus on osteoarthritis and provide home remedies for joint pain and arthritis.
Remedies for Joint Pain and Arthritis
If you are experiencing chronic joint pain, it’s important to consult with your doctor to create a plan to manage your symptoms. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can slow it down and relieve symptoms. Here are some home remedies that can help reduce your discomfort:
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Exercise
Exercise and movement can help manage your weight, keep your joints flexible, and strengthen the muscles around your joints for support. Low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, yoga, swimming, water aerobics, and Tai Chi are best for people with joint pain [2].
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Manage Your Weight
Being overweight or obese can put excess pressure on your joints, worsening joint pain. Losing weight can improve mobility and prevent future joint damage [4].
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Eat a Healthy Diet
A diet high in red meat, processed foods, and added sugar can increase inflammation in the body, worsening arthritis symptoms. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole foods can help decrease inflammation and control body weight [5].
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Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps reduce friction in cartilage and decreases inflammation in joints [6].
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Curcumin
Curcumin, found in turmeric, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation [7]. Talk to your doctor before using a turmeric supplement.
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Herbal Supplements
While there is a lack of clinical evidence to prove their efficacy, herbal supplements like Boswellia, bromelain, devil’s claw, and ginkgo may help reduce joint pain [8]. Consult your doctor before starting a new supplementation regime.
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Hot and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy can help relieve joint pain. Heat loosens muscles and increases flexibility, while cold reduces swelling and numbs the area [9].
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Acupuncture and Massage
Acupuncture and massage have been shown to relieve joint pain and may be worth trying for symptom relief [10].
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Meditation
Practicing mindfulness meditation can help relieve symptoms of arthritis and is worth considering due to its low risk [11].
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Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD, a non-psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, may help reduce joint pain, though more research is needed [12]. Consult your doctor before using CBD.
Before trying any home remedies for joint pain, consult with your doctor to determine the best recommendations for your specific needs. These remedies are meant to complement, not replace, professional medical advice and treatment.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication.
