Aching joints may be symptomatic of a number of conditions including arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Joints can also ache as a result of repetitive manual labor, obesity and menopause. According to the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education, half of all menopausal women experience some form of joint pain with the knee, elbow and shoulder joints most often affected. Patient UK, a health information service provided by GPs and nurses, notes that 5 percent of 16 to 24 year olds and 54 percent of people over 85 suffer from aching joints. Supplements may help to alleviate aching joints.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can reduce inflammation, which may reduce aches and pains in the joints. Omega-3 EFAs include alpha-linoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Gamma-linoleic acid is an Omega-6 EFA. Omega-3 EFAs lower the production of prostaglandins, molecules in the body that are responsible for inflammation. Omega-3 EFAs are found in mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, salmon and green vegetables. Gamma-linoleic acid is found in evening primrose oil and borage seed oil. Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFA's can be purchased in supplement form.
Glucosamine
According to the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education, glucosamine has potent inflammatory effects. It may be a more effective treatment for arthritis and pain in weight-bearing joints than standard drug therapy. Glucosamine is believed to help incorporate sulfur, an important nutrient for joint tissue, into bone cartilage. Glucosamine is not found in foods, but is available in a number of oral supplements, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Herbs
Some herbs may help alleviate aching joints. The Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education notes that several herbs are rich in salicylates and sterols, substances that may provide pain relief. Salicylates are found in herbs like willow bark, while sterols are present in black cohosh, devil's claw, wild yam and ginseng. Peruvian bark may also help to relieve joint aches. Caution should be employed when using herbs as they can interact with other medicines and may also have toxic side effects.
References
- Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education: Aching Joints and Muscle Problems
- Patient UK: Aching Joints - Assessment, Investigations and Management in Primary Care
- "Nutrition Science News;" Chronic Joint Pain; Cynthia Copper; January 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glucosamine
