Joint inflammation is a painful immune response to injury or infection.

Our bodies constantly move, from working out to simple day-to-day activities, such as going to work or preparing a meal. Even the slightest of movements are an integral part of our everyday life, but we seldom think about them. That’s why it can be interesting to look into how our bodies perform these tasks, and what makes them possible.

The body is shaped by our skeleton, a framework made of bones that supports our weight and protects our organs (1). Our bones are then connected by our joints, the part of our body that allows movement and provides stability. With the exception of the bones in our throat, every bone in our body is connected to at least one bone at a joint (2).

The more movement done through the joint, the higher the risk of sustaining joint injury (2). When a joint performs a greater range of action, the strength of the joint can be significantly reduced (2). Read on to find out more about joint pain and its natural remedies.

Getting to know your joints

Before we talk about the natural remedies for joint pain and inflammation, it’s important to get to know how they work. There are three kinds of joints in our body:

1. Synovial joints, or freely movable joints, can be found at the hip, shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists and ankles. These joints are linked by ligaments and are filled with synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and helps them move easily (3).
2. Cartilaginous joints, or partially movable joints, are found between the ribs, the sternum, the spine and the pelvis. These joints can perform little movements, and are linked by cartilage–providing the body with stability (3).
3. Fibrous joints, or immovable joints, can be found in body parts such as the skull, our jawbones and our teeth. They are held together by connective fibrous tissues, allow no movement, and are integral to the body’s stability (3).

These joints make up and connect our skeletal system, giving the body both movement and stability. Taking care of our joints is vital in keeping our bodies active, healthy and productive. If you want to know more about joint pain and inflammation, read on.

Are your joints overworked?

Our joints allow us to do all the things we want to do. We use them everyday to run, walk, and jump. We use them to go to work, be with our family and hang out with our friends. Keeping them healthy helps maintain our quality of life.

It’s important to listen to your body and be in tune to its needs. Below are the possible causes of joint pain and inflammation to watch out for:

• Repeated use and/or wear and tear of muscles and joints
• Previous joint injuries you may have sustained
• Severe anxiety or stress
• Aging
• Weight issues
• Poor health (4)

When it comes to joint pain, prevention is still better than cure (5). It’s important to pay attention to our joint health long before we experience any pain or discomfort. If you are looking to know more about natural remedies for joint pain and inflammation, keep reading.

Keeping your joints healthy

Proper joint care can help avoid issues that might arise as we age. These issues won’t just affect our mobility, but our overall health (5). There are several lifestyle choices you can incorporate in your daily life when it comes to taking preventative care of your joints:

• Lead an active lifestyle. Regular exercise can help you maintain your body weight and relieve your joints of extra pressure. Exercise efficiently by observing proper form, and making sure to stretch and warm up before and after any strenuous physical activity (5).
• Listen to your body’s cues and signals. Pay attention to your body before, during, and after exercise–take note of any pain or discomfort you experience. Your body will be the first to let you know if something is wrong and you’re due to see a doctor (5).
• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best remedies for joint pain and inflammation. Smoking causes inflammation that can exacerbate joint pain or discomfort (5).
• Strengthen your diet with fruits, vegetables and enough water. A nutritious diet can help keep your joints healthy and lower risk of inflammation. Giving your immune system a needed boost is an added layer of protection to your body (5).

These natural remedies for joint pain and inflammation can also be amplified with supplements (4) that can provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. Curious what these vitamins and minerals can be? Read on!

Vitamins and minerals for joint health

Boosting your diet with nutritious foods targeted to improve joint health can help maintain it as well. Here are some nutrients you can consider:

Vitamin C

Joint health can be supported by taking Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot store. Vitamin C is integral in producing the body’s collagen, the protein that makes up our skin, cartilages, tendons and ligaments (6).

Fish Oil

Fish oil is the dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for many of the body’s functions, including cell growth and healthy muscle activity (7). Fish oil can be a natural remedy for joint pain and inflammation as its benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, boosting skeletal and muscular development in the body (8).

Cranberry

Cranberries contain bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits (9) that can have therapeutic effects on stress and inflammation in the body (10). The phytochemicals found in cranberry supplements can help remedy joint pain and inflammation, plus improve overall cartilage health (10).

Curcumin

Turmeric’s vibrant yellow color comes from curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties (11) that can help maintain joint health and alleviate joint pain (12).

These vitamins and minerals can be a part of your natural remedies for joint pain and inflammation. Through Vitable, a multivitamin subscription in Australia, you can craft a tailored vitamin plan for your diet. Choose to live comfortably with the right vitamins and minerals to naturally remedy your joint pain or inflammation. Avail your own multivitamin packs and have them delivered straight to your doorstep!

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

References:

1. Nemours Children’s Health Content Team. “Bones, Muscles, and Joints”. Nemours Children’s Health: Betterhealth.Vic.Gov.Au. Published February 18, 2016 on https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bones-muscles-joints.html. Accessed January 8, 2022.
2. Better Health Channel Content Team. “Joints”.  Better Health Channel: . Published May 31, 2012 on https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/joints. Accessed January 8, 2022.
3. Kids’ Health Content Team. “Bones, Muscles, and Joints”. Kids’ Health: KidsHealth.Org. Published February 18, 2016 on https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bones-muscles-joints.html. Accessed January 16, 2022.
4. Cleveland Clinic Content Team. “Joint pain”. Cleveland Clinic: My.Clevelandclinic.Org. Published March 28, 2018 on https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17752-joint-pain. Accessed January 16, 2022.
5. Cleveland Clinic Content Team. “5 Best Ways to Safeguard Your Joints as You Age”. Cleveland Clinic: Health.Clevelandclinic.Org. Published July 13, 2020 on https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-best-ways-to-safeguard-your-joints-as-you-age/. Accessed January 16, 2022.
6. Mount Sinai Content Team. “Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)”. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: Mountsinai.Org. Published on https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid. Accessed January 16, 2022.
7. Mayo Clinic Content Team. “Fish oil”. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research: Mayoclinic.Org. Published December 8, 2020 on https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810. Accessed January 16, 2022.
8. Gammone, M., Riccioni, G., Parrinello, G., & D’Orazio, N. “Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport”. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Nih.Gov. Published December 27, 2008 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6357022/. Accessed January 16, 2022.
9. Thimóteo, N. S. B., Iryioda, T. M. V., Alfieri, D. F., Rego, B. E. F., Scavuzzi, B. M., Fatel, E., Lozovoy, M. A. B., Simão, A. N. C., & Dichi, I. “Cranberry juice decreases disease activity in women with rheumatoid arthritis”. National LIbrary of Medicine: PubMed.Org. Published October 10, 2018 on https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30553231/. Accessed January 16, 2022.
10. Basu, A., Schell, J., & Scofield, R. H. “Dietary fruits and arthritis”. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Nih.Gov. Published January 24, 2019 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788027/. Accessed January 16, 2022.
11. Hewlings, S., & Kalman, D. “Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health”. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Nih.Gov. Published October 22, 2017 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/. Accessed January 16, 2022.
12. Daily, J. W., Yang, M., & Park, S. (2016). “Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials”.  US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Nih.Gov. Published August 1, 2016 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/. Accessed January 16, 2022