Top 7 Natural Ways to Reduce Joint Pain
There’s no denying that joint pain can make it hard to move around and enjoy everyday life. If your shoulders, knees, or hips hurt all the time, daily life can be a real challenge. (Other joints, too.)
Many folks, unfortunately, believe the only solution to reducing joint pain is to rely on over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. However, there are proven natural ways to reduce joint pain that are both safe and effective.
If you’re a man suffering from joint pain due to your age, an accident, your job, or some other reason, the information below will be very helpful. It’s a list of the natural ways to reduce joint pain naturally! To discover them all and get your life back on track and joint pain free, read on!
1. Exercise Regularly
Moving your body may seem like the last thing you want to do when your joints hurt, but regular exercise can actually help reduce joint pain. You should start with more gentle activities like walking, swimming, and biking. These activities will strengthen the muscles around the joints, which can help reduce and relieve the pain. Once you’re accustomed, you can move on to more strenuous exercise like running, lifting, aerobics, etc.
2. Stretch Every Day
Before engaging in any exercise, you need to give your joints a good stretch!! Stretching helps improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and keep your muscles supple and relaxed. Here are a few good stretches to do every day:
-
Hamstring Stretch
Lie on your back with one knee bent and foot flat on the bed. Lift the other leg straight up and hold for a gentle stretch behind your thigh. -
Knee-to-Chest Stretch
Lie on your back and bring one knee up to your chest, holding it with your hands for a gentle stretch. -
Seated Butterfly Stretch
Sit on the floor, bring the soles of your feet together, and gently push your knees towards the ground. -
Calf Stretch
Stand with your hands against a wall and step one leg back, keeping the heel down, to stretch your calf muscle. -
Quadriceps Stretch
Stand on one leg, bend the other knee, and pull your foot toward your glutes to stretch the front of your thigh. -
Shoulder Stretch
Bring one arm across your chest and use the other arm to gently pull it closer to your body for a shoulder stretch.
3. Use Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to your joints is an easy, effective way to relieve pain. Heat helps to increase blood flow and relax tight muscles. You can use heating pads or take a warm bath to soothe sore joints. Cold therapy reduces swelling and numbs the pain. Ice packs or cold compresses work well for this. Ice baths are excellent, also, as long as you can tolerate the cold.
4. Watch Your Weight
Like a backpack or your child on your shoulders, extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and spine. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce the strain on your joints, leading to less pain and improved mobility. If you’re overweight, consider going on a diet.
5. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Some foods can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common cause of joint pain. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon, for example, are fantastic for reducing joint inflammation. Other anti-inflammatory foods include the following:
- Berries (like strawberries, blueberries)
- Fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, mackerel)
- Broccoli
- Avocados
- Green tea
- Peppers (like bell peppers)
- Mushrooms
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and collards)
- Nuts (like almonds and walnuts)
6. Take Natural Supplements
Certain supplements are known for helping with joint pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular for joint health, while turmeric, which contains curcumin, is another option for reducing inflammation.
7. Get a Massage (or a Massage Machine to Use at Home)
Massaging sore joints and muscles can increase blood flow and help relieve pain. You can either get a professional massage or gently massage the painful areas yourself at home using oils or lotions.
Check out this massage machine from Thumper. It’s fantastic for joint pain, muscle aches, and more.
Last Thoughts on Natural Ways to Reduce Joint Pain
Joint pain is no fun for anyone, especially a man who needs to be out, active, earning a good living and providing for his loved ones. The methods provided today are all simple, straightforward and effective although they do require some effort. The effort, however, is worth it for the reduction in pain it provides, allowing you to get through your days with a smile rather than a grimace on your face.
Most importantly, by making these small changes to your daily routine, you can manage joint pain naturally without needing to rely on medications. Best of luck and be well, gentlemen!
Information Sources
- physiotattva.com - 10 Best ways to Ease Joint Pain Naturally
- arthritis.org - Natural Relief for Arthritis Pain
- healthline.com - 9 Ways to Get Relief from Arthritis Pain Naturally
- pananatra.com.au - Naturally-derived Remedies for Joint Pain
- medicalnewstoday.com - Herbs for joint pain: 9 best types for arthritis