People suffering from joint and muscle pain and inflammation always tend to rely on expensive medication to help them relieve the pain. While the medication continues for years, not a lot of people are aware of the fact that sometimes joint and muscle pain can be dealt with at home, naturally as well. However, you will need to develop a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly if you wish to reduce the pain and prevent inflammation in the future. In this article, we outline some of the most effective home remedies for you to consider to treat joint and muscle pain.
Manage Your Weight
One of the major reasons behind joint and muscle pain is being over-weight. With excess fat on your body, the joints and muscles are constantly under a tremendous amount of stress that triggers the symptoms of arthritis. Since your knees bear the most brunt of your weight, you need to bring it down. Health experts suggest that you should reduce your weight immediately especially if you are suffering from obesity. It not only increases blood circulation but relieves the knees and joints from pressure and stress as well.
If for some reason, you are not able to visit the local gym, you can opt for some basic exercises at home. For instance, you can walk around the house, carry out household chores, perform pushups and sit-ups, etc. You do not have to go all-in at the beginning. Take your time to pick the pace and work according to the progress.
Aquatic Exercises
One of the best home remedies for joint and muscle pain is aquatic exercises and for a good reason. Aquatic exercises are known to make every muscle in your bodywork, which is beneficial for people with arthritis. Water provides resistance and as a result, the intensity of the exercise increases as well. Meanwhile, the buoyancy of the water enables the body to stay afloat by supporting the body weight. This relieves pressure on the joints as a result.
A study conducted in 2015 concluded that people who participated and got involved in aquatic exercises experienced improved coordination, reduced body fat, and improved mood along with the quality of life. Furthermore, the participants also experienced a reduction in arthritis pain, which was often short-term.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is another home remedy for joint and muscle pain as it is a low-impact exercise that involves slow and gentle movements to increase muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. In 2013, researchers conducted around seven studies to determine the relationship between Tai Chi and reduction in joint and muscle pain. The studies concluded that the participants were not experiencing relatively less pain after following a 12-week course.
Yoga
Amongst the important benefits of home remedies, one is that you can easily relieve the pain while sitting at home. You do not have to go anywhere and simply be comfortable within the vicinity of your home. With that being said, yoga is said to support the body and relieve tension and inflammation. A study conducted in 2013 investigated the effects of a 6-week Iyengar yoga program for young women suffering from RA. Amongst the total 26 participants, 11 were asked to attend two 1.5-hour yoga classes for six weeks while the remaining did not take any part in any yoga classes.
As the study concluded, it was found that those who participated in the activity experienced a significant improvement in mood, health, and quality of life. It also enables them to cope with chronic pain comparatively better as well.
Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and Cold treatments have also been found to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. For instance, taking a long warm shower in the morning can help ease the stiffness, and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad will reduce discomfort at night.
On the other hand, cold treatments can help relieve joint pain, inflammation, and swelling. Grab gel ice or a bag of frozen vegetables and wrap it in a towel while applying it to painful joints for quick relief. Make sure not to apply the ice directly to the skin.
Recommended Products
Boiron Arnicare Gel
The Boiron Arnicare Gel is a homeopathic medicine that is designed to help relieve temporary muscle pain and stiffness. It is a non-greasy, water-based formula that absorbs quickly and is paraben-free as well. Moreover, it includes the Arnica montana plant, which is a natural pain reliever. This homeopathic medicine relieves muscle pain and stiffness without unwanted drowsiness.
Key Features:
- Homeopathic medicine
- Unscented
- Quick-relief
Osteo Bi-Flex Glucosamine with Vitamin D, One Per Day by Osteo Bi-flex, Joint Health,130 Coated Tablets
It is a complete supplement that is designed to respond to reduce pain and increase joint mobility. It is effective in reducing the pain in the joints and muscles that come with age or weight etc. Osteo Bi-Flex joint vitamin tablets are loaded with concentrated vitamin D that does not only maintain healthy bones but contributes to immunity as well. It has Glucosamine as well that helps a lot in reducing chronic inflammation. Doctors sometimes recommend patients with joint and muscle paints take supplements, which increases the speed at which pain is reduced. This is where this trusted comes in. It not only helps relieve the pain but repairs the joints as well.
Key Features:
- Reduces inflammation
- Rebuilds cartilage
- Improves joint mobility
Ultra Strength Bengay Topical Pain Relief Cream
The Ultra Strength Bengay Topical Pain Relief Cream is a non-greasy formula to ease backaches, minor arthritis, and muscle and joint pain. It contains three powerful pain-relieving ingredients including camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate. Lastly, it is a physician-recommended OTC topical analgesic that has effectively helped many with joint and muscle pain.
Key Features:
- Non-greasy formula
- Physician-recommended
- Contains three pain-relieving ingredients
MagniLife Relaxing Leg Cream Pain Relief & Sleep Aid
The MagniLife Relaxing Leg Cream Pain Relief & Sleep Aid is designed to help relax and soothe the uncomfortable sensations that make it difficult to fall asleep. The application of the cream helps calms the discomfort and restlessness so that you get to sleep safely and sound. It contains all-natural ingredients, allowing it to attack the pain organically. Perhaps the best thing about this cream is that it does not interfere with other medications. So you do not have to worry about them while you apply this cream as well.
Key Features:
- Non-greasy
- Relaxing cream
- Plant-derived formula
Final Word
Arthritis is a progressive condition that leads to joint and muscle pain. Although there are many different medication interventions available but using home remedies is going to be more effective in relieving pain in the long run. If required, you can take some supplements as well only after consulting a doctor.