You may already be taking medicines — either prescription or over-the-counter — to relieve morning stiffness, inflammation and pain in your joints.
While there are so many medical treatments and medicines for joint pain, there’s also evidence a number of supplements can help in managing joint pain and long-term conditions.
Functional medicine dietitian Ariana Fiorita and Dr. M. Elaine Husni, talk about some supplements that may help ease your joint pain:
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Glucosamine
Glucosamine, a dietary supplement that helps keep joints healthy, has been shown to benefit only a subset of people with osteoarthritis, possibly by stimulating the regrowth of worn out cartilage
Research by scientists has shown that taking a daily glucosamine sulfate supplement could improve osteoarthritis-related joint pain and slow the progress of the condition.
“We advise patients to take glucosamine with chondroitin for three months to see if it makes any difference,” says Dr. M. Elaine Husni.
“If so, continue using it; if not, don’t waste your money and look for other options.”
Omega-3
Omega-3 has a range of health benefits, and omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects which make a good remedy for joint pain.
A 2016 review of study evidence found that regularly taking omega-3 reduces joint discomfort and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
The review found in some cases the effect was so significant that they were able to stop taking their pain medication.
“Just one serving of cold-water fish twice a week is enough,” says Fiorita.
“Try a high-quality daily fish oil supplement in addition to consuming natural dietary sources.”
Turmeric
Turmeric is a frequently used spice in South Asian foods like curries and has a long history in medicine.
Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can in turn help reduce the pain of sore, inflamed joints.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, and research suggests it can reduce short term inflammation.
Ginger
Ginger contains the anti-inflammatory compound gingerol, which has pain-relieving properties.
However, studies that have looked into the efficacy of ginger to treat joint pain have looked at high doses of ginger extract – so the effects you get from ordinary supplements may not quite be as strong.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is most commonly known for being the compound that gives chillis their heat and some studies show that it can help relieve pain that’s due to joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
But, it can also reduce the release of signals that cause pain in the body.
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It’s available in creams, patches and gels, and the effects last a few hours, so you can reapply whenever you need to during the day.
Featured Image: Branden Carlson #35 of the Utah Utes holds his ankle in pain | Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images
