Experiencing joint pain in any part of your body can make life difficult. It not only can become inflammatory and swell, but can limit movement, introduce chronic pains, and greatly limit the ability to perform basic activities in day-to-day life. It's no secret then why so many have gone about searching for a remedy to their pains and many have found it within certain dietary supplements you can find on store shelves today.
Below are some of the most common symptoms of joint pain that millions experience everyday, along with some of the popular and best joint supplements that you might want to try if you're experiencing joint pain.
Common Ailments From Joint Pain
Joint pain is a common complaint for people every day because, naturally, our joints do a lot of moving throughout everyday life. Joint pain can come in many different forms such as discomfort, pain, and inflammation, and it can be sourced in any of the joints of the body like the knees, elbows, ankles, wrists, and in the hands. It can be chronic, temporary, mild, and severe; it all depends on the person.
The most common symptom of joint pain is inflammation from arthritis or arthralgia which is found in 23% of adults in the US. That's over 54 million people. About 24 million of them are limited in their activities from their arthritis. Remedies to this joint pain have become extremely sought after for these very reasons, and studies are constantly discovering more supplements that could help those experiencing these pains everyday.
Best Supplements for Joint Pain
Joint pain affects everything you do with your body and, when suffering from joint pain severely or just mildly, it can have an impact on your life. That's why so many seek help from medical supplements such as the most common (and most effective) listed below.
1. Glucosamine
The cartilage found inside joints—the stuff that keeps joints from rubbing together—is also known as Glucosamine. It's often taken as a supplement in order to treat pain caused by inflammation and the breakdown and loss of cartilage in joints—also known as osteoarthritis.
As of now, it's mostly taken orally as a way to relieve pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research shows that it does reduce pain but has limiting effects on improving the inflammation causing the pain.
It's found mostly in two forms as a supplement: Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Though safe to consume, there are some side effects to watch out for, such as:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headaches
Also, it's worth noting that most Glucosamine is harvested from the shells of shellfish which could cause an allergic reaction to those with allergies.
2. Chondroitin
This dietary supplement, known as chondroitin, is also a part of the crucial cartilage found in joints. Studies have shown that, rather than decreasing pain, taking chondroitin can help prevent cartilage loss and even stimulate its repair.
In long-term studies, it's been shown to slow down the deterioration of joint cartilage and has helped knee pain in 53% of people who took it.
Chondroitin is often taken in combination with glucosamine, though it is unclear whether it provides additional benefit to take both together.
3. Turmeric
Most may know turmeric as a cooking spice found in many Asian and Indian-inspired dishes, but many don't know that it does have health benefits that go beyond good food.
Turmeric's main active component is curcumin which does have anti-inflammatory properties which make it a popular treatment for joint pains, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Studies have also shown it to reduce cholesterol, lessen joint swelling and stiffness, and relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
It can be taken by mouth—in forms like capsules, tablets, teas, and drinks—or by applying to skin in the form of lotions of pastes.
4. Calcium
It's only natural to consider a calcium supplement when talking about bones and joints. Calcium is the building block of bones and bone health and is something your body needs to continue to thrive. Adding some calcium to your diet—in foods or supplements—can keep your body running healthily.
If your joint pain is related to low calcium levels, be sure to ask your doctor for an accurate amount of calcium you should be taking before trying yourself. Too much calcium can harm your kidneys, so be sure to have your doctor let you know what amount is safe for consumption or how much you need to fulfill your body's daily needs if it's in need of more.
5. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methylsulfonylmethane—otherwise known as 'MSM'—is a relatively new dietary supplement with the ability to help treat conditions like joint pain and arthritis. MSM is formed using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a form of organic sulfur.
It's so new to the game that not many long-term effects of MSM are well known as of yet. Though some studies have shown a slight increase in arthritis symptoms like pain and lack of movement.
Though there isn't much clear-cut evidence on the effectiveness of MSM yet, it's become a very promising treatment and there is great interest in further studying it as the small samples done have come away positively.
Studies on joint pain supplements are always ongoing, but many of the above supplements have continued to show signs that they are an effective way to curb pain, limit inflammation, and let people continue they daily lives without the constant pain in their joints. Be sure to consult a doctor if you have any questions before taking any supplements listed above.
If you have any questions about dietary supplements to help your joint pain, or want to learn more about other supplements and health topics. Contact us today!