More than 50 million people in the United States have either arthritis or joint pain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Age and injuries are common causes of joint pain and arthritis; deficiencies in minerals and vitamins can also be a factor. Vitamins B and D as well as calcium and potassium all contribute to creating healthier joints and reducing pain.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral that aids in cellular and electrical functions in the body. Potassium is an electrolyte that performs various roles for the metabolism and for cell, tissue and organ function. It helps to regulate the acid-base balance in the body, aids in protein synthesis, and helps with overall body growth and muscle development. Potassium also helps in regulating heart activity.
Joint Pain
Joint pain can be a result of a variety of injuries or conditions, and it can affect one or more joints. In severe cases, it can be physically and psychologically debilitating. According to MedlinePlus, some of the causes of joint pain include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, sprains, strains and bursitis. Treatment for joint pain depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Options range from over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to rest, massage and warm water baths.
Studies
In two studies on joint pain and potassium, the use of potassium as either a supplement or as part of a topical application had some effect on overall joint pain reduction. In a study published in the August 2008 issue of "The Journal of Pain," researchers found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis and hypokalemia, or low potassium, who took potassium supplements had reduced joint pain. A study published in "The Journal of Oral Implantology" in 2007 found that applying topical potassium with dimethylisosorbide reduced jaw pain and inflammation in participants with temporomandibular joint disorders.
Potassium Deficiency
Potassium intake as recommended by the Institute of Medicine is capped at 4.7 g per day for adults over the age of 19. Potassium deficiency is rare in people who eat a balanced diet complete with potassium-rich foods. Foods that are good sources of potassium include red meats, chicken, fish, soy products, broccoli, peas, lima beans, tomatoes and winter squashes. Citrus fruits and bananas are also high in potassium. If you have joint pain and are considering increasing your levels of potassium to reduce the pain, consult your doctor before undergoing any changes to your diet or starting a vitamin supplement.
References
- "The Journal of Oral Implantology"; A New, Noninvasive Approach for Successfully Treating the Pain and Inflammation of TMJ Disorders; M. Hodson, et al.; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- MedlinePlus: Joint Pain
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis
- MedlinePlus: Potassium in Diet
- "The Journal of Pain"; A Pilot Study of Potassium Supplementation in the Treatment of Hypokalemic Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial; R. Rastmanesh; August 2008
