Joint pain is an extremely common ailment, especially for aging individuals. The causes can vary, and they can even converge to bring on joint pain in many people. Here, we take a look at the basic statistics and causes of joint pain in the general population. Then, we look at four of the most applicable supplements with the potential to mitigate this specific kind of point.
The Causes of Joint Pain
Joint pain is a very common and regular occurrence for many people. The scope of joint pain can range from mild to severe, and it is often chronic. Depending on its severity, chronic pain can be a legitimate impediment to daily life. Chronic joint pain can make it painful to use stairs, kneel, and even walk. Chronic pain can also cause mental stress and anxiety in the anticipation of pain, which can disrupt sleep, and even affect an individual’s mental health.
When we think of chronic joint pain, we often think of arthritis. This is sensible because osteoarthritis is in fact the most common cause of joint pain. But, there is a wide variety of other conditions which can contribute to joint pain, and also a variety of lifestyle factors. Tendon injury is another predominant cause of joint pain, and it can be as simple as inflammation and swelling in the tendons surrounding the joints.
Other common conditions of joint pain include gout (arthritis caused by uric acid buildup), autoimmune diseases, and “frozen shoulder” (adhesive capulitis). Bursitis and tendonitis are also fairly common. Overuse and sports injuries can also contribute to chronic joint pain, especially if they accumulate or are severe.
Medical treatment for joint pain is often merited. A doctor might choose to use medication or surgery, depending on the cause and course of joint pain. But more simply, the utilization of at-home remedies, strategic exercise (such as physical therapy), weight loss, and dietary supplements are often used effectively to treat and/or manage joint pain.
Supplements for Joint Pain
Glucosamine/chondroitin: These two substances are often combined into a single supplement, and are one of the most recommended supplements for joint pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are potentially very helpful because these are two of the most important structural components of joint cartilage. Studies show that supplementing with these can reduce joint pain, most notably that resulting from the loss or cartilage due to aging. Glucosamine and chondroitin are most effective for long term relief of joint pain, rather than for short term pain reduction. Consider taking a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement if you are in the early to intermediate stages of joint pain.
Turmeric is an herbal supplement with some of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties around. It has a long history of effective use for relieving joint pain. The ability to reduce inflammation makes turmeric a choice supplement for mitigating the symptoms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. Studies show turmeric could be just as effective as NSAIDs prescribed to treat joint pain. Like most other supplements recommended for joint pain, turmeric is most effective for alleviating and preventing long term joint pain, and not for immediate pain relief.