5 Ways To Relieve Joint Pain
When joint pain flares up, everything else shuts down. It becomes harder to move and sleep, and the most simple daily activity becomes a struggle.
Pain medication can help, but there are other ways to reduce and eliminate these nagging aches. If you’re ready to put an end to your joint problems, here are five tips that can really make a difference.
1. Keep Moving
The inflammation that’s slowing you down might actually go away if you speed things up. Movement is one of the best ways to relieve stiffness in the joint, and strengthening the surrounding muscles will provide much-needed support for your bones.
If the pain is in your hands and wrists, consider a hand exercise ball to keep those fingers moving. For discomfort in the knees and hips, a little walking can go a long way.
2. Eat Right
While obesity is a known cause of joint pain, undereating can be just as detrimental. As your appetite shrinks, sometimes important nutrients get ignored and your bones and muscles suffer for it. Fruits, veggies, and protein-rich foods will support a healthy body and alleviate the pain that comes with deteriorating muscles and bones.
3. Supplement
If you’re having trouble getting enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium into your diet, take those nutrients in pill form. Expand your weekly pill organizer to include supplements you might not be getting from food as your appetite shifts and shrinks. Aging bodies consume energy more efficiently and require less fuel in the way of food, which means you have to adapt to stay healthy.
While you’re focusing on what you put into your body, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Dehydration will always lead to inflammation and other problems. If you’re feeling aches and pains, one of the first remedies should be a tall glass of water.
4. Stretch
When a walk feels like too much exertion, some simple floor stretches can be a good alternative. Stretching your hamstrings, hips, and glutes can reduce the aching in your joints and make your next round of exercise much more manageable. As you get more comfortable with stretching, you can expand your routine to include a little bit of resistance and build muscle that way. Move at your own pace, but just make sure you keep moving!
5. Ice
After you move around, pain in your knees and ankles and shoulders might flare up again. Anti-inflammatories are a good idea in moderation, and you should never underestimate the power of an ice pack. Make sure it’s wrapped in a towel so you don’t put frosty plastic against your skin, and let the cold work its magic.
No one likes hurting when they move, and joint pain is all but unavoidable as people age. Nevertheless, there are ways to reduce and mitigate the discomfort. Any of the steps above can make a big difference when incorporated into your regular schedule.