Certain supplements may be helpful in alleviating joint pain and swelling. According to MedlinePlus, joint swelling -- the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues surrounding your joints -- may occur in conjunction with joint pain. Possible causes of joint pain and swelling include gout, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Before taking using supplements to help treat your joint pain and swelling, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosing and potential drug interactions.
Rue
Rue, also known as Ruta graveolens, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in treating your joint pain and swelling. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," rue, a member of the Rutaceae family, is an anti-inflammatory and helps strengthen your capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels in your body. Rue, notes Tilgner, is particularly helpful in treating problems associated with tendons, ligaments and joints. Rue is a medicinal herb native to southern Europe, has a bitter taste, possesses cooling tendencies and has bluish leaves. The above-ground parts of the rue plant are used for medicinal purposes. Rue can be taken internally or used topically to help treat musculoskeletal conditions. Rue should be avoided if you are pregnant.
Cayenne
Cayenne, a member of the nightshade family, is a shrub native to Central and South America, although it is now cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the fruit of the shrub -- hollow red, orange or yellow pods -- to help treat numerous health conditions, including joint pain and swelling. Cayenne, also known as Capsicum frutescens, has a hot, sweet and pungent taste and possesses drying and heating tendencies. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," cayenne is a topical stimulant, analgesic and rubefacient, or a substance that increases circulation to the area upon which it is applied. Tilgner notes that cayenne is an external liniment used to help treat arthritis. If you have duodenal ulcers, you should avoid using cayenne, due to its ability to stimulate stomach acid.
Bromelain
Bromelain is another supplement that may be beneficial in treating your joint swelling and pain. According to the University of Michigan Health System, bromelain is derived from the stems of pineapples and is a proteolytic enzyme, or an enzyme capable of digesting protein. Bromelain, notes the University of Michigan Health System, has been used to help treat numerous health conditions, including arthritis, tendinitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains, wounds, sinusitis, urinary tract infections and lower back pain. Dr. Michael T. Murray, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "The Healing Power of Herbs," states that bromelain possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly effective in treating inflammation and sports injuries. Bromelain may also help treat joint pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease.
References
- MedlinePlus: Joint Swelling
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- University of Michigan Health System: Bromelain
- "The Healing Power of Herbs"; Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 1995
