Painful joints are common and have several different causes. Whether you suffer from arthritis or have simply overextended yourself during a sporting event, the resulting sore joints can interfere with daily activity. Some medications can effectively treat the pain, but simple over-the-counter vitamins may also give you relief. Never rely solely on vitamins without talking to your doctor, especially with chronic conditions that may require more aggressive treatment.
Multi-Vitamins
A standard multivitamin formula offers health benefits for many conditions. According to Alan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S. of the University of Hawaii, a regular multivitamin formula that contains 100 percent of all the standard vitamins may help relieve sore joints. However, it is important not to take more than one of these each day, as a vitamin overdose can have serious consequences. Even if your pain does not subside, limit yourself to a single dose of 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of a multivitamin supplement each day.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
You can find a combination supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in many pharmacies. These products target people with persistent joint pain. According to the National Institutes of Health, the effects are legitimate. A six-month study demonstrated positive results for joint pain sufferers who use glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements. Study participants took the two together three times per day. Each dose of glucosamine was 500 mg and was accompanied by 400 mg of chondroitin sulfate. Pain improved by 20 percent for 79 percent of those participants who suffered from moderate to severe joint pain. The NIH made note of the findings as preliminary research only, and expressed the need for additional research on these supplements.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a popular supplement for heart health and is also available over-the-counter in most pharmacies. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this supplement is also beneficial for those with sore joints due to rheumatoid arthritis. Joint pain and morning stiffness are primary symptoms of this disease, and daily fish oil supplements can reduce the severity of this soreness for some people. However, fish oil only masks the pain and does not contribute to treatment for the underlying condition. For this reason, prescription medication is still necessary in chronic situations.
