Joints are an integral part of the human anatomy because they are the one of the precursors of movement and stability. These joints are surrounded with interconnected ligaments, tendons and bursae. When these are damaged or affected by an illness, joint pain is expected. There are also several other causes of joint pain. Nevertheless, the pain can be managed through different remedies such as the following:
Massage
There are instances wherein the ligaments and/or tendons of the joints are wound up tight as a result of repetitive movement. This causes discomfort or pain and can be relieved by massaging the area to release the built up tension within the ligaments and/or tendons.
Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom Salt has a high content of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is a micronutrient that the body needs for different process. It also has the capability to relax nerve endings and promotes nerve and muscle function. Joint pain is often associated to low levels of magnesium in the body but since the body is not able to produce it naturally, we can get it from other sources such as food and soaking the affected area with Epsom salt and water mixture.
Hot or Cold Compress
As mentioned above, repetitive motion can cause tightness around the tendons and ligaments. One way to relieve the pain is to apply hot or cold compress to the affected area. The hot compress allows the muscles and the surrounding tissues to relax while the cold compress alleviates the inflammation that might have caused the pain.
Exercise and Weight Loss
Excessive weight can have an adverse effect on the body even with our joints. Whenever we move, the joints absorb most of the force exerted with each movement. And when an added weight is applied, the force is increased causing the joint to take in more than it could handle. Exercise, while it helps in reducing weight, it also strengthens the muscles and surrounding tissues near the joints.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal medicines have been used since the dawn of medicine. Up until now, treating illnesses with herbs and such on some circumstances may be more effective than the medicines sold in pharmacies.
*Turmeric
The brightly orange powder is made from the yellow ginger which is known for its wide variety of application and medicinal properties. This powder can be mixed with milk and ingested orally to reduce inflammation and antioxidant properties. It also contains a substance called curcumin which as potent as ibuprofen as a pain reliever.
*Fenugreek
Arthritis sufferers can ease their pain by soaking a handful of fenugreek seeds overnight and eat the seeds and drink the water it was soaked it. This has been noted to reduce the onset of inflammation and pain especially with arthritis sufferers.
*White Willow Tea
White Willow Tea is dubbed as the natural aspirin. This is due to the fact that it contains salicin which the body converts as salicylic acid that resembles the active ingredient in aspirin. Drinking twice daily a teaspoon of white willow tea/bark brewed in a cup of water can replace the synthetic aspirin to relieve pain. And since this is a tad bit bitter, honey can be added for taste.
