Top 7 Home Remedies for Joint Pain and Arthritis

How to Reduce Joint Pain and Arthritis

The body area where two or more bones meet is known as a joint. Joint helps to move and provides support to our body. A healthy joint is made up of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bursas, synovial membrane, and synovial fluid. Any injury, strain or sprain to these structures causes joint Pain.

How to Reduce Joint Pain and Arthritis

How to Reduce Joint Pain and Arthritis

However, there are various disease conditions such as Inflammation of joints; gout may also cause joint pain. Inflammation of joint can affect a single, or multiple joints onset can be acute or chronic. Joint pain hampers your quality of life. It can be mild to severe.
There are over the counter topical medicines, physical therapy, injections and alternative therapies to manage joint pain. In this article, we are going to learn home remedies for joint pain.

Home Remedies for Joint Pain

Hot and Cold Compress

Cold compress constricts the blood vessels and eases pain and inflammation. Use ice packs for a cold compress. Do not apply ice directly to the skin or it may cause chilblains. Wrap ice cubes in cheesecloth and then apply it on the joints. Do not use a cold compress for more than 10-15 minutes. Doctors recommend cold compress before heat compress.

Cold compress

Cold compress

This method is often used as one of the preliminary treatment for joint pain. Alternating hot and cold compress relieves joint pain. It loosens the muscles and lowers inflammation. Heat increases the blood flow and relaxes muscles. You can use warm towels or hot water packs for heat therapy.

Hot Compress

Hot Compress

Alternatively, soak the affected joint in hot water baths. Do not apply hot compress for more than 15 minutes. If you notice redness stop it.

Alternating cold and heat therapy for joint pain is safe, but it not a treatment method. It should be paired with exercises and medications that are prescribed by qualified doctors for ease and comfort.

Turmeric

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and a natural antioxidant. It has been used for ages in the treatment of various joint pains and arthritis.

Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk. Have this milk daily before sleeping may also grate fresh turmeric milk, boil the milk, strain it, add teaspoon honey to taste and consume this milk.

Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek is rich in iron, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6. It has various phytonutrients like tigogenin, neotigogens, diosgenin and choline. Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a ½ cup of water for overnight. Eat these seeds in empty morning stomach. Alternatively, finely ground fenugreek seed. Add a teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder to a glass of lukewarm water and drink it in the morning.

Epsom Salt-

Epsom salt contains sulfate and magnesium. Both the minerals are readily absorbed by the skin. Magnesium reduces inflammation, strengthens nerve and muscle function. Add a few teaspoons of Epson salt to your bathing water in the bathtub and soak yourself in it.

Garlic-

The anti-inflammatory property eases pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Garlic is rich in selenium and sulfur. When consumed daily, garlic stimulates the immune system, improves blood flow, and reduces swelling and pain. Selenium has antioxidant properties, which helps in reducing free radicals produced in the body.
Peel a garlic clove and eat it raw. If you experience stomach irritation, indigestion, and heartburn because of fresh garlic roast it or add it to cooking. Garlic infused mustard oil/sesame oil can also be used for massaging the affected area.

Apple Cider Vinegar-

Apple cider vinegar is rich in iron, potassium and sodium. It detoxifies the body. Add two teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Also, add honey to taste. Drink the concoction before each meal.

Cayenne Pepper-

Cayenne pepper is high in potassium, manganese, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. It is loaded with capsaicin that is a natural pain reliever, dilates the blood vessels and boosts metabolic rate. Capsaicin also has analgesic. Mix about two teaspoons of cayenne pepper powder in a cup of coconut oil and apply to the affected area. Leave it half an hour and rinse this with water.

*Do not use cayenne pepper to open wound or it may cause burning.

Always remember home remedies are not alternatives to medicines suggested by the doctor, but they will ease pain and discomfort.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.