Acute inflammation is a natural response to physical damage; it allows your body to heal. However, chronic inflammation is problematic. Here are a few anti-inflammatory tips to relieve joint pain.
Inflammation’s connection with arthritis
Inflammation is how the body reacts to damaging elements, including unhealthy cells, pathogens, or irritants. An example of acute inflammation is the body’s reaction when you get a cut: in that case, your blood clots, expediting healing. The site of injury also often becomes swollen and red.
In a scenario of chronic inflammation, as occurs with arthritis and other pain conditions, your body is continually healing and destroying its cells at the same time. If you cannot reduce inflammation once it becomes chronic, it can lead to a disease such as arthritis.
Four anti-inflammatory tips to relieve joint pain
Arthritis can be excruciating, but by adjusting your lifestyle and diet, you can often reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. Here are a few tactics:
#1 – Stay active.
To avoid pain, make sure you don’t lose any of your range of motion. Movement is vital. Try tai chi, swimming, yoga, or dance.
#2 – Soak your joints in Epsom salt.
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is often mixed into a bath for soaking. “Run a tub full of warm water and add 2 cups of Epsom salt,” notes Everyday Roots. “Soak for 15 minutes.”
If you just need to do your hands, you can use ½ cup of salt within a large bowl of warm water.
#3 – Boost your fatty-acid intake.
Our bodies are unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful against inflammation. You want to get omega-3s as either its DHA or EPA form, from flax seeds, hemp, walnuts, chia, or oily fish (such as herring, salmon, and sardines).
Along with helping to reduce inflammation, these compounds also stave off heart disease.
#4 – Try turmeric.
The curcumin within turmeric – which is used in curry – has long been praised for its capacity to prevent inflammation, explains Mao Zhing Ni, PhD. “In one study, 2 grams of curcumin extract provided to subjects was found to provide pain relief that was equivalent to ibuprofen for pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee,” he says. “Sprinkle turmeric or curry spice in your favorite dishes to help reduce inflammation.”
Your partner to relieve joint pain
Are you experiencing joint pain? At Health Star Clinic, we determine the best course of treatment that fits into a responsible pain management approach, avoiding all surgical options and minimizing the need for prescription medication. See our patient reviews.