Joint pain is a common symptom, and it can manifest due to arthritis or because of another condition. Here, we provide a brief overview of the causes and course of aching joints, and then we examine five suitable supplements that could alleviate joint pain.
Factors Contributing to Joint Pain
Joint pain refers to discomfort in the joints, the junctions where two or more bones connect in your body. There are many, many potential causes of joint pain. It is most common in the hands, feet, hips, knees and spine. The course and symptoms of joint pain vary depending on the cause, and other health factors. It can be constant, or it can come and go.
The foremost cause of joint pain in individuals is arthritis, a condition of which there are more than 100 types. Two types are most prevalent: osteoarthritis (OA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis develops over time as joint cartilage wears away, and is most common in people over age 45; joint pain and stiffness are the symptoms. RA is a chronic disease that causes pain, swelling, and sometimes disfiguration of the joints.
Other common causes of joint pain include tendonitis (inflammation), bursitis (from overuse), gout, psoriatic arthritis, and hypothyroidism. However, arthritis is by far the biggest cause of joint pain.
The Best Supplements for Joint Pain
Joint pain can sometimes merit medical treatment, depending on its cause and severity. However, at-home remedies and dietary supplements are a common method of addressing joint pain. Following are seven of the most applicable supplements for mitigating joint pain:
Glucosamine is one of the substances which naturally constitutes cartilage, and it is available as a dietary supplement. It is contained in many supplements targeted for joint pain. There are two common forms of it, and glucosamine sulfate has been shown to be more effective at reducing OA pain than the other form. Some studies show that glucosamine could even slow the progression of OA over time.
Chondroitin is another natural compound present in cartilage, and is often taken to mitigate joint pain and stiffness due to arthritis. Chondroitin and glucosamine are best when combined, and taken to relieve OA symptoms, and improve the course of the disease.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in the herb turmeric. Turmeric can be helpful for human health, but concentrated curcumin in particular is much more potent tohelp alleviate joint pain due to osteoarthritis. Study after study has shown that curcumin blocks inflammatory cytokines and pathways, such that it can effectively reduce inflammation causing OA symptoms. Taking curcumin can reduce joint pain and stiffness from OA as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds (NSAIDs).
Hydrolyzed collagen: This compound has been shown to help athletes recover from tendonitis, most notably Achilles tendonitis. This makes sense, considering that the Achilles tendon and other tendons are made up of collagen fibers. Studies have shown that it works best when taken during periods of an exercise program designed to help the body recuperate from tendonitis. Hydrolyzed collagen is often combined with glucosamine and chondroitin.
Boswellia is an herb with anti-inflammatory properties, and the extract of this herb can be taken to reduce the symptoms of RA. It works similarly to some prescription meds, but it can be taken in place of them, and sometimes alongside them, as well.
If you experience joint pain, whether due to arthritis, tendonitis, or perhaps from another cause, then consider how these supplements could contribute to treating your pain. Talk to your healthcare provider before trying out any new supplements.