Sore or painful joints may be the result of several factors including overuse and incorrect form when doing an activity according to MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. In some cases, an injury or illness may be to blame, such as a joint dislocation, tendinitis, influenza or arthritis. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or acetaminophen are common remedies. However, some natural supplements may also provide relief.
Consult your physician before taking any supplement for joint pain.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound in healthy cartilage, states MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Your body uses it to synthesize glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans---compounds in synovial fluid in the joint and other joint structures. Glycosaminoglycans are partly made up of glucosamine sulfate.
According to MedlinePlus, there is substantial scientific evidence to indicate that glucosamine sulfate supplements are useful in treating pain caused by osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. The recommended dose is 500 mg taken in tablet or capsule form three times a day. However, glucosamine supplements can be made from shellfish, so look for a vegetable source if you have a shellfish allergy.
Ginger
This flavorful herb contains active compounds called gingerols that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory abilities. It's used to treat joint pain and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, states the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or NCCAM.
In one study published in the journal "Arthritis and Rheumatism," researchers investigated the effects of ginger for treating osteoarthritis. Some of the 250 participants took 255 mg ginger pills twice a day while the rest took a placebo. Two-thirds of the participants who took the ginger pills reported relief from pain. Ginger is generally considered safe, but may cause stomach upset in some individuals.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric---the spice that gives curry its bright yellow color---and it may be beneficial for joint pain. According to the NCCAM, animal studies show that extracts of turmeric containing curcumin were able to prevent joint inflammation and damage. In a study published in a 2005 issue of the journal "Rheumatology," curcumin was shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and able to improve the pain-relieving effects of cyclo-oxygenase-2 , or COX, inhibitors---a medication used to fight inflammation in osteoarthritis.
Natural supplements may cause side effects. Consult a doctor before taking them, especially if you're on other medications or supplements.
