Calcium supplements may help build strong bones, but there is not a sufficient amount of scientific evidence to support their use as a remedy for joint pain. Before your doctor's appointment to address joint pain, take notes on your condition to make the most of your visit. Write down details including factors that alleviate or aggravate your pain as well as the date it began.
Calcium Supplements
Individuals take daily calcium supplements for a variety of reasons. The amount of "elemental calcium" in a dietary supplement indicates the amount of calcium your body can actually absorb. Words on the label such as carbonate, citrate and lactate indicate what the calcium is bound to. Consult with your health professional before adding calcium supplements to your diet.
Joint Pain
Joint pain comes from injuries and health conditions. Health conditions causing joint pain include Lyme disease and osteoarthritis. The best treatment for joint pain may be a combination of natural and pharmaceutical remedies. Contact a health professional if you experience joint pain lasting longer than three days or accompanied by weight loss.
Hyperparathyroidism
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism -- oversecretion of the parathyroid hormone -- include joint pain and higher levels of calcium in the urine and blood. Bones may lose calcium, leading to osteoporosis. Dietary intervention to combat this health condition includes taking calcium supplements and adding calcium-rich foods like kale or spinach to your diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Fluoride
Look for fluoride, a periodic element, as an ingredient in toothpaste and other dental products. Taking high doses of fluoride as a dietary supplement causes side effects including joint pain in the lower extremities and a calcium deficiency, according the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Calcium supplements and antacids containing calcium combat this loss of calcium by decreasing fluoride absorption when taken two hours before or after dosing.
Bone Mass Medication
Certain medications designed to simultaneously increase bone mass while slowing down bone loss, including ibandronate and alendronate, cause joint pain as a side effect in some patients. These same medications require abstention from taking medicines, including calcium supplements, 30 to 60 minutes after ingesting your dose. Taking calcium supplements and experiencing joint pain present two factors to consider before and after taking these drugs.
