Soothing joint pain: 10 best remedies for joint aches

Joint pain is the most common complaint in elderly people and the most common cause of joint pain in the elderly is osteoarthritis but there are many other causes of joint pain such as bursitis, gout, overuse of a joint, fibromyalgia, any injury to the joint, infections and other systemic diseases so consult your orthopedician for joint pain if significant for proper treatment.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sandeep Wasnik, Consultant – Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, shared, “Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain in the elderly. Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease of the joint, is typically the result of wear and tear and progressive loss of articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis happens when articular cartilage in your joint breaks down and when this happens, the bones in your joint will rub together, causing friction that makes your joint worn out & hurt, become stiff, or swell. It can be either primary or secondary. Primary is due to age-related changes and secondary osteoarthritis is due to known reasons like trauma to the joint and previous surgeries to the joint and others. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured but some treatments can relieve symptoms and will slow your condition’s progress and help you move better.”
He suggested treatment modalities as –
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, you’ll also benefit from several supportive treatments that can help reduce your pain and make daily life activities better and easier.
If you don’t feel better with conservative methods, you might want to consider procedures such as:
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Yash Gulati, Senior Consultant – Orthopedics, Joint Replacement and Spine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, shared, “Joint pain can be a debilitating experience, affecting your mobility and overall quality of life. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or age-related wear and tear, finding effective remedies to alleviate joint aches is crucial. It is very important to find out whether joint pain is due to age related wear and tear or “Green flag Arthritis” or is it due to inflammatory type of Arthritis like rhematoid arthritis s “Red Flag Arthritis”.”
He added, “Treatment of both of these in early stages can be very different as the inflammatory type of Arthritis may require special disease modifying drugs. Type of symptoms, involvement of small joints of hand and feet, prolonged stiffness may indicate early inflammatory type of arthritis. Certain blood test can also help diagnose it.”
In early stages of non-inflammatory arthritis, he recommended some of the best remedies to consider –
1. Exercise and Stretching: While it may seem counterintuitive, gentle exercises and stretching can help reduce joint pain and improve flexibility. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can strengthen the muscles around the joints, reducing the stress on them. Additionally, stretching exercises can improve range of motion and promote better joint health.
2. Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected joints can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. Heat therapy, such as warm baths or heating pads, can improve blood circulation and relax stiff muscles. Cold therapy, like ice packs or cold compresses, can reduce swelling and numb pain receptors.
3. Over-the-Counter Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate joint pain and reduce inflammation. However, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you plan to use them for an extended period, as they may have potential side effects.
4. Topical Creams and Ointments: Topical pain relievers containing ingredients like menthol, camphor, or capsaicin can provide localized relief by increasing blood flow and creating a cooling or warming sensation. These creams and ointments can be applied directly to the affected joints.
5. Weight Management: Excess weight can put additional strain on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, exacerbating pain and inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the stress on your joints and alleviate discomfort.
6. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These natural supplements are believed to promote joint health by supporting the formation of cartilage and reducing inflammation. While research on their effectiveness is mixed, some individuals have reported relief from joint pain after incorporating these supplements into their routine.
7. Massage Therapy: Professional massage therapy can help relax tense muscles around the joints, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation. Techniques like deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy can target specific areas of discomfort and provide relief.
Weight reduction in overweight patient would be extremely important. In a late or end stage arthritis, surgery in the form of joint replacement may be required.