Aches and pains in our joints are a way of living - especially as we age.
These pains signal wear and stress that has built up over time, though doctors warn they can also point to an underlying illness such as cancer or arthritis, a condition affecting 58.5 million U.S. adults.
There are many ways to soothe and treat these symptoms but not all are made equal, according to experts. That’s why consulting a doctor is critical.
“If joint pain persists or is severe, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan,” Dr. Michael Gabbard, an orthopedic surgeon at Indiana University Health West, said in a statement.
The best ways to soothe joint pain
It may sound counterintuitive, but exercise can help. When we exercise, the body produces what the Arthritis Foundation calls “natural pain killers” - happy hormones known as endorphins.
Weight loss due to exercise can decrease stress on joints and increase flexibility and range of motion. Low-impact activities like tai chi and swimming can help people see these benefits without stressing joints further.
Less active methods to fight pain often include heat or ice. Icing a joint can reduce any inflammation and numb surrounding areas, while heat relaxes muscles near joints, according to Mass General Brigham. Both heating pads and ice packs should not be applied for more than 15-20 minutes to protect the skin.
Other over-the-counter treatments like joint braces or medications can help with mild pain. Braces provide stability and compression, while federally-regulated topical creams and over-the-counter pain-relievers like Advil or Tylenol fight inflammation.
For more severe pain, doctors may recommend surgery to repair or replace joints, as well as steroid injections. The injections work similarly to pain relievers - but are more effective and inserted directly into an inflamed joint.
“For hips and knees, joint replacements are very effective at eliminating pain,” Hospital for Special Surgery orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tony Shen said in a statement. “For other joints such as those in the mid-foot, a fusion procedure may be the best option.”
And the worst
No joint pain supplements are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, leaving decisions up to patients. Some supplements can help with pain and are relatively safe to take cautiously, doctors say. But others have been tied to weight gain that can worsen pain and some research has even linked supplements to accelerated dementia.
It’s not just supplements patients should avoid. Over-reliance on over-the-counter medication can lead to taking more than you need, the Mayo Clinic warns.
Plus, some everyday habits could be making your pain worse without you knowing it. While people may believe smoking can help distract from pain, cigarettes contain toxins that can damage connective tissues and worsen joint problems.
A positive mindset is likely not top of mind when you’re in pain but it’s important, too. A negative mindset can make pain worse.
“Instead, focus on activities you enjoy and spend time with people who support you. Consider talking to a therapist if negative thoughts are difficult to manage,” the Clinic advises.
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