Options for Achieving Minor Joint Pain Relief

Many of us are finding out, as we get older, that our bodies are not what they used to be. Unfortunately, these changes are usually not for the better. Some people experience gradual changes over a long period of time. For others, it seems like they happen overnight.

One day, they feel as good as they ever have, and the next day, they can hardly get out of bed. One such problem shows up in the form of minor joint pain. This could be the result of arthritis or any number of other conditions. Regardless of the cause, many people struggle to find minor joint pain relief. Treatment for this condition is available in many different forms. Below we will examine some of the options available for minor joint pain relief.

Medication

One of the most popular methods for achieving minor joint pain relief is through the use of various medications. The leading cause of this type of pain is arthritis, and there are a number of different medications that are used to treat it. Analgesics are widely used for the treatment of arthritis pain. This type of medication is available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms.

The most common analgesics that most people are familiar with are aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. For minor joint pain relief, these are probably sufficient in most cases. For more severe cases, you may need to resort to more aggressive forms of treatment. Some of these will treat only the pain associated with arthritis, but others will also address the inflammation that is causing the pain.

Other joint pain medications come in the form of creams and gels that are applied to the skin at the affected areas. Usually, these will only provide temporary relief of symptoms and not really address the cause of the pain. Ben Gay, Icy Hot, and Tiger Balm are examples of these.

Natural Remedies

For those who like to avoid taking medication, or have tried it with limited success, there are a number of ways to achieve minor joint pain relief through natural means. One way is by making changes to your diet. Many of the vitamins and minerals found in a healthy diet can reduce, and even prevent, joint pain.

Often times, this joint pain is caused by a deterioration of tissue and cartilage in the joint. Eating a diet that is rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as various antioxidants, can help to prevent this deterioration. Vitamin D also plays a vital role in preventing tissue loss, and can even help to repair damaged cartilage and bones. If you're not getting enough of any of these in your diet, consider taking a supplement.

These vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids can prevent some of the possible causes, and also the inflammation that comes along with joint pain. Before you consider any type of treatment for minor joint pain relief, sit down with your doctor so he can help you determine the best course of action.