TEN METHODS TO ELIMINATE JOINT PAIN AT HOME
1. PRACTICE YOGA.
Yoga is akin to a divine form of exercise. It alleviates numerous conditions, including joint pain, and reduces the stress associated with managing such ailments. Starting is straightforward, requiring minimal equipment to practice in the solace of your home.
Yoga offers excellent poses and stretches that target sore joints. Initially, you might experience slight discomfort, but beginning with elementary poses and stretches can make it tolerable. As your discomfort eases, you can progress to more intricate poses and continue to stretch those sore joints until your arthritis symptoms diminish, at least temporarily.
2. CONSUME ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS.
Your diet reflects your health; consuming foods that induce inflammation will lead to discomfort and swelling. It's a straightforward concept, yet you might be oblivious to the fact that certain foods exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet is advisable.
A plant-centric diet is an excellent option, offering fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants that combat inflammation. This advice doesn't necessitate a complete shift to vegetarianism. Reducing red meat intake and increasing plant-based food consumption is a beneficial starting point.
Avoid processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats, as they exacerbate inflammation, contribute to weight gain, and pose additional health risks.
3. ENGAGE IN SWIMMING.
Swimming serves as an excellent method to alleviate joint discomfort or nearly any health issue. It not only offers significant pain relief but also presents an enjoyable form of exercise. It can even become an enjoyable activity for family or friends.
The effectiveness of swimming in easing joint pain lies in the water's ability to support 90% of your body weight. This reduction in pressure on your joints (elaborated on later in the article) significantly diminishes pain.
The sport is ideal for individuals with mobility challenges since it eliminates the need to move their entire weight, alleviating pressure. This is also why swimming is recommended as an exercise for individuals who are morbidly obese and experiencing joint pain.
4. MAINTAIN HYDRATION.
Keeping hydrated is a simple yet essential tip, as our bodies inherently require it. With water constituting at least 60% of the human body, ample hydration is vital for survival. Fortunately, consuming water also contributes to joint pain relief.
Adequate water intake ensures that your joints remain supple, warding off stiffness. Dry and stiff joints tend to be more painful, potentially leading to extreme discomfort that hinders their use if dehydration persists.
It's crucial to drink sufficient fluids, especially water, which not only benefits your joints but also enhances overall health.
5. EMBRACE MEDITATION.
Meditation offers mental respite from sore joints. The interconnectedness of mind and body means that mental ease can cascade into physical relief, alleviating joint discomfort. It's akin to mentally dissolving the pain.
Research indicates that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is the most effective meditation technique for mitigating arthritis symptoms. It involves acknowledging pain without attaching negative thoughts to it, simply noticing it and then letting it pass. Negative thinking exacerbates the issue, whereas MBSR promotes the dismissal of such thoughts.
6. CONSIDER CANNABIDIOL SUPPLEMENTS.
Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the cannabis plant, contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive component, making it a popular choice for therapeutic use. For some individuals, CBD provides significant pain relief for various conditions, including arthritis.
Scientific research into CBD's efficacy is ongoing. Although definitive proof is pending, the anecdotal evidence from millions finding relief is compelling. As a natural compound, experimenting with CBD is unlikely to cause harm.
Cannabidiol supplements come in diverse forms like oils and tinctures. There's no superior method of consumption; it's more about personal preference and finding what works for you.
7. WEIGHT LOSS.
As highlighted in the section on swimming, reducing weight can significantly alleviate joint pressure, thereby easing pain.
Weight loss is not a quick fix; it demands considerable effort, especially when managing pain during the process. It is advisable to combine other pain relief remedies with your weight loss plan until you reach your target weight.
If you are already at an optimal weight, weight loss may not be the suitable solution for you. Nevertheless, do not lose hope; there are many other alternatives to explore.
8. EXPLORE HOT AND COLD THERAPIES.
Hot and cold therapies are time-honored methods for mitigating pain and are among the most ancient remedies known. Their effectiveness is such that they are routinely employed by trainers and therapists working with professional athletes. Here are several guidelines for applying hot and cold treatments:
- For arthritis, heat therapy is preferable as it promotes blood circulation to the affected area, facilitating muscle relaxation and being more beneficial for chronic pain.
- In cases of acute joint pain, cold therapy is recommended within the first 48 hours to diminish blood flow and consequently reduce inflammation.
- Avoid direct contact of ice with your skin.
- Refrain from applying extreme heat directly to your skin.
9. HERBS AND SPICES CAN BE BENEFICIAL.
Incorporating certain herbs and spices into your anti-inflammatory diet is advisable. These have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that aid in pain reduction. Additionally, they are cost-effective and often enhance the flavor of food and beverages.
Some top herbs and spices for pain alleviation include:
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound. Turmeric adds a wonderful flavor to curries, soups, and vegetable juices.
- Maritime Pine Bark: Contains pycnogenol, a powerful antioxidant that is also effective in lowering blood pressure.
- Boswellia serrata: Known as frankincense, this herb is commonly used to address inflammation and arthritic pain. Its extract can be taken as a supplement.
- Green tea: An excellent anti-inflammatory beverage. For those avoiding caffeine, a decaffeinated option is available.
- Black pepper: Contains piperine, which not only provides its distinctive kick but also helps to diminish pain perception.
- Chili peppers: The capsaicin in these peppers provides both their heat and anti-inflammatory benefits. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
10. INDULGE IN A MASSAGE.
A massage serves as an excellent method to unwind, alleviate discomfort, and momentarily set aside all your health concerns. Spending a day, or even just an hour, at a spa or massage establishment can positively influence your mental and physical well-being. Positivity helps dissolve pain.
Christopher Moyer, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Wisconsin, acknowledges that the scientific community has yet to fully comprehend how massages diminish pain. Nonetheless, the beneficial effects are undeniable. Massages reduce cortisol production (a stress hormone), decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines, and contribute to lower blood pressure.
When opting for a massage, ensure you choose a certified massage therapist to achieve optimal outcomes. Exercise caution if you suffer from severe bone or muscle injuries, or if you have osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease).
Living with arthritis is an arduous daily challenge. It can be unyielding and significantly deteriorate your life quality. Finding solace from arthritis is paramount.
While numerous medications are available through prescriptions for pain management, these drugs can be taxing on your body or lead to additional health complications. Moreover, they often have an unpleasant taste and managing a regimen of countless pills daily can be exasperating.
Resorting to home remedies – natural substitutes for pharmaceutical chemicals – represents the most secure approach to managing arthritis pain. Some may require more effort than simply taking medication, but they are considerably safer. The aforementioned list provides excellent suggestions for natural remedies; trying out even just a few of them could prove beneficial.
Source: powerofpositivity.com
