Managing Joint Pain With Home Remedies

Joint pain is characterised by inflammation and a feeling of pain in joints such as the knees, elbows and back. This happens because these joints are frequently subject to daily strain which causes them get swollen and cause us undesirable pain. While joint pain is not a very serious problem in the beginning, in many cases, if left untreated or ignored it could lead to serious health problems such as frozen shoulder, inability to climb up stairs etc.

Home Remedies for Joint Pain

Medications and painkillers are commonly used to treat joint pain. But for the long lasting relief, it is best to turn to age-old home remedies. So, here are six top home remedies to help ease joint pain and treat it once and for all!

Epsom salt soak

Fill a large bowl with warm water and add ½ cup of Epsom salt. Stir it around and submerge your sore joints in the liquid. If you are experiencing pain in a less convenient place to soak, such as your knees, you could take a bath with Epsom salts instead. To prepare the bath, fill a tub with warm water and add 2 cups of Epsom salt. Soak in this bath for at least 15-20 minutes.

Get more magnesium

Add foods that are high in magnesium into your diet. Dark leafy greens vegetables, nuts, and legumes are high in magnesium.

Lubricate with extra virgin olive oil

Rub a bit of olive oil onto your sore joints twice a day, massaging it into your body gently. You can also consume 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil daily. But be sure to give up some other form of fat due to the high-calorie count in the oil.

Exercise

Go for a brisk walk every day. You can start with 15 minutes and work your way up to get into a solid daily routine. Doing joint targeted exercises and certain stretches can also help get rid of joint stiffness and pain.

Massage

Massage therapy helps relieve joint pain by improving circulation and soothing down the inflammation. In fact, several studies indicate that regular massages can reduce pain, stiffness and improve the range of motion in the affected joint. To massage the affected area, use a warm oil like coconut, olive, mustard, castor or garlic oil. Also, remember to apply gentle pressure on the joints while massaging.

Hot & cold compresses

Alternating between 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. Remember to wrap both compresses in separate towels before using them, and do not apply them directly to the skin. Place the hot compress on the affected area for about three minutes.
Then remove the compress and immediately put a cold compress in its place for about one minute. Repeat the process for 15 – 20 minutes a few times daily until you get relief. However, do not use heat therapy if the affected area is red, hot and irritated. Also, do not use cold therapy if you have blood circulation problems.
Place the hot compress on the affected area for about three minutes. Then remove the compress and immediately put a cold compress in its place for about one minute. Repeat the process for 15-20 minutes a few times daily until you get relief. However, do not use heat therapy if the affected area is red, hot and irritated. Also, do not use cold therapy if you have blood circulation problems.