Joint pain is seldom an emergency and can usually be managed at home. However, a physician's visit is called for if the pain is severe, or if swelling, redness or tenderness are present. Arthritis is usually the cause of joint pain. In fact, the terms "joint pain" and "arthritis" are sometimes used synonymously, according to MayoClinic.com. Certain dietary supplements may bring relief. Consult a qualified health -care provider before using them for joint pain or any other health condition.
Herbal Supplements
A review by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine researchers listed green tea, cat's claw, thunder god vine, curcumin and ginger as herbal supplements with possible benefits for joint pain. Green tea has been shown to prevent arthritis in mice prone to developing the disease. Cat's claw is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prescribed by Peruvian herbalists. Thunder god vine has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Curcumin is a component of turmeric, the spice that gives Indian curries their characteristic bright yellow color. It has reduced stiffness, walking time and joint swelling in arthritic patients. Ginger has also been shown in human studies to reduce arthritis pain. More research is needed before these herbs can be widely recommended for joint pain.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
In her book "Prescription for Nutritonal Healing," nutrition consultant Phyllis Balch recommends selenium, boron, calcium, a B vitamin complex and vitamin C plus bioflavonoids for joint pain. Selenium may help relieve joint pain by controlling levels of free radicals. Boron and calcium are required for bone health. B vitamins may help with inflammation, and a vitamin C supplement with added bioflavonoids acts as both a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Use these vitamins and minerals under the supervision of a qualified health-care professional.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Much research on omega-3 fatty acids has focused on their benefits to cardiovascular disease and mood disorders. Preliminary research both in the laboratory and with human subjects indicate that omega-3s may also have a role to play in relieving joint pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to ease joint pain and stiffness in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. Oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel, is an excellent source of omega-3s. You can also obtain these fatty acids through fish oil supplements, available in capsules or in liquid form. Fish oil supplements may interfere with the action of certain medications, however, so consult a qualified health-care provider before adding them to your regimen.
Other Dietary Supplements
Research on the popular joint relief supplements glucosamine and chondroitin has yielded mixed results, according to MayoClinic.com. Some studies on glucosamine showed significant pain reduction and improved function in patients with joint pain. However, a large clinical trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health found that, for most participants, glucosamine and chondroitin were no better than an inactive placebo. S-adenosyl-L-methionine, also known as SAMe, has also been researched for its pain-relieving properties. In a preliminary trial, SAMe was equivalent to popular over-the-counter analgesics in easing joint pain. Consult a qualified health-care provider for more information on the use of glucosamine, chondroitin and SAMe.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Joint Pain
- PubMed Central: Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Biological Basis for the Use of Botanicals in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- UMMC: Osteoarthritis
- FDA: Dietary Supplements
- UMMC: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
