For some, joint pain is as natural and normal as waking up and hitting the snooze button for the third time. The discomfort and aches that sit hand-in-hand with problems like osteoporosis and arthritis are not uncommon.
As you age, so does your body and this includes your joints and bones. Knowing that your body was not the same as it once was, it can be difficult to imagine how such aches can be prevented, when all the while, you can’t help but age little by little.
At least one-third of adults go through a bout of joint pain, with the majority finding complaints in the knees, hip or shoulder. Despite that, pain can happen anywhere, head to toe, some of which can be difficult to tolerate.
If you suffer from joint pains, you aren’t alone. It’s a very common occurrence, with a variety of ways to ease the pain. Here are a few ways to treat your joints at home:
- Protect the joint with a brace or wrap.
- Rest the joint and avoid activities that cause you pain.
- Ice the joint for about 15 minutes, several times each day.
- Compress the joint using an elastic wrap.
- Elevate the joint above the level of your heart.
Painkillers are also a good way to dull down the issues of joint aches. These can usually be found over-the-counter, but remember that discussing the problem with your doctor can make the decision of which to take far easier. These medicines can provide relief for moderate or severe pain with swelling in tow.
Remember that taking any medicine over a period of time can damage your health. The alternative to this is to use proper sports gear and training. By doing exercises such as swimming and bicycle rides, it takes the pressure off your body, whilst helping you to lose weight at the same time. Losing weight also helps to take the problem off your body. Avoid high-impact sports.
The path to achieving pain relief is an unsteady road, but worthy of your time. In the long-run, slowing the speed of which your body ages throughout the years can improve you, your physicality and even your temperament.
The question is – when do you start?