Self-Care Tips for People with Joint Pain

Sharon Moore February 06, 2017

There are many possible causes for joint pain. They include health conditions like fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Millions of people in the world suffer from joint pain, and the number is likely to rise. While medications can provide temporary relief, knowing some self-care tips is important in managing joint pain.

Here are some things you can do to manage joint pain:

Control inflammation in your body.

Inflammation usually sparks joint pain. In some conditions that involve joint pain, controlling inflammation is the main goal of treatment. Other pain management methods also focus on alleviating inflammation. So how do you fight it? Start by adding inflammation-fighting foods in your diet such as fish, vegetables and fruits. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are great at fighting inflammation that trigger joint pain.

Get quality sleep.

Quality sleep is essential in reducing inflammation and managing any pain condition. It is important to maintain a good sleep hygiene to keep your bedtime routine regular and restful. Consider aromatherapy to induce a restful slumber.

Heat or cool down.

Depending on the condition, applying cold or hot compress on the affected area can ease the pain. These are effective, inexpensive ways to alleviate the symptoms and relax muscles. Hot or cold compress can be particularly helpful for people who are dealing with stiffness of the joints, like psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Talk to a mental health professional.

Your joint pain may have something to do with your mental health too. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, 56.3% of adults with serious psychological distress also had severe joint pain. Another study suggests that beliefs about pain control and feelings of helplessness, emotional factors like anxiety and depression, and social support all play important roles in how we experience and adjust to pain.

Try acupuncture.

Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that acupuncture may help ease symptoms of chronic pain conditions, including joint pain. Acupuncture is a safe treatment that can greatly help you manage joint pain.

Use turmeric.

The yellow spice commonly used in Indian dishes contain curcumin that may be able to reduce arthritis pain. Several studies have shown that turmeric helps alleviate pain by fighting inflammation.

Above all, see your GP to have a clear understanding of your condition and what needs to be done in order to address it and if necessary, refer you to a specialist.

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