There are a number of things that can cause joint pain, from injuries to old age to the amount you weigh, and these things cannot always be avoided. If you have been experiencing joint pain lately, then it is definitely worth making an appointment with your GP to get a proper diagnosis just in case other elements are at play. However, you can also try a few home remedies to relieve the pain at home; take a look.
The Causes
There are a few reasons why you are experiencing joint pain. The lining of your joints could be inflamed, or maybe you have gout or pseudogout, which is essentially a form of arthritis. There could be cartilage damage, or a torn ligament has caused blood to enter the joint spaces. Now, those are the most common causes of joint pain; however, a few less common causes could also be behind it, like a fracture or break or an improperly healed injury or perhaps another form of arthritis like reactive, psoriatic or rheumatoid.
Lifestyle Changes
Firstly, making a few lifestyle changes can really help to alleviate some of your joint pain. The initial instinct when dealing with joint pain is likely to be to take some time off of exercising while it heals, but this is actually the wrong thing to do. Instead, you should try to continue to exercise as you would normally while including some strength exercises for that area. If you are on the heavier side, changing your diet and trying to lose a little weight can take some of the strain off your joints and make it feel better.
CBD
CBD or cannabidiol is a compound found in a hemp plant – don’t worry, it isn’t THC, you’re not going to get high! It actually works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help alleviate pain. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for pain perception, among other things like immune function and inflammation. There have been studies which show that CBD can be incredibly effective in treating joint pain. It can be taken orally or applied topically, which is perfect for knee pain or other areas which are awkward to get to; check out HEMPE to learn more.
Hot & Cold
The dinner ladies at school were really onto something! Cold compresses can genuinely help joint pain. They can help reduce swelling and inflammation, making the joint less painful. Ice packs come in handy here, but you should never put the ice directly on your skin. Interestingly, the same can be said for heat; soaking in a hot bath or taking a long, hot shower can help to relieve the tension in your muscles and help to ease joint pain. You could even try a heated blanket.
Lastly, a good, old-fashioned massage can really help to minimise your discomfort, so a little TLC is almost definitely in order. You do have options when it comes to dealing with your joint pain. Obviously, if it is getting beyond the point where you can manage it yourself using natural remedies, then you should absolutely make an appointment with your GP. Try not to overdo it, but you also shouldn’t take it too easy because this can create more stiffness.
Read more: