Best Natural Joint Relief Options

By Margarita Joseph


Joints are found in every part of the human body. Most of these joints are freely movable and allow a great variety of body movements as well as supporting the weight of the body. When joints degenerate for any reason, pain becomes a symptom. Different methods are used to treat this pain and there are various options for natural joint relief.

Joints begin to give problems due to many factors such as aging, injury, autoimmune diseases and over-use. Joints consist of two bones held together by ligaments. The bones are prevented from grinding against one another by cartilage. When any of the elements of the joints like the ligaments, cartilage or synovial fluid are not working as they should, the bones begin to grind together, causing pain and inflammation.

In conventional medicines, pain is eased through the use of drugs that are used either orally or by injection. The main types of drugs used are steroids like cortisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen or aspirin. These drugs relieve pain but they do not repair the damage. They also have some side effects like gastrointestinal problems and may even cause heart problems if used on a long term basis.

Apart from conventional medicines, there are many other natural ways to handle problems with joints. Diet and nutrition can be looked at, particularly by those suffering from gout. They experience an improvement by eliminating certain foods from the diet. Massage can relieve pain, reduce swelling and improve circulation. Simple exercises help to maintain mobility as far as possible. Supplements and vitamins like Vitamin D and calcium may also be taken.

As there are hundreds of different supplements on the market all claiming to be the best, some research helps you to make more informed decisions when making your selection. Many supplements when analyzed fall way short of what is stated on the label. There are natural alternatives with anti-inflammatory effects including turmeric, ginger, green tea, devils claw, rosemary and willow bark. Some of these also have side effects but these are usually not as severe as those experienced with traditional drugs.

Other supplements are designed to repair and maintain joints. They often contain a combination of ingredients, Glucosamine sulphate being one of these. It is an amino acid that increases lubrication as well as repairing and strengthening cartilage. Another useful ingredient often combined with this is Chondroiten sulphate. It helps nutrients and fluid to remain in the cartilage, assisting with shock absorption.

An organic sulfur compound called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is also being used increasingly in supplements. It is found in humans, animals, grains, fruits and vegetables. Collagen is believed to be strengthened by the sulfur.

Many supplements claim to not only reduce pain but to work on the tissues of joints. It is often better to use such a supplement sooner rather than later to give it time to have an effect. It is important to be an educated consumer as products vary considerably with regard to price and effectiveness. You need to compare ingredients and their quality as well as price in order to make an informed decision about natural joint relief.




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