Knee pain is both common and debilitating. In a study published by the Annals of Internal Medicine, it was found that 25% of adults experience knee pain. The causes of this pain are varied, as are the ways people choose to find relief. More and more people are looking at natural remedies, including vitamins and supplements to help ease the pain and get moving again.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
There are many reasons people experience knee pain. And in some cases, there is more than one factor or medical condition to blame.
Being overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 42.4% of adults are considered obese. Being overweight puts additional stress on your knee joints, even when doing everyday activities like walking or using the stairs.
Old injuries. For some people, the pain after an injury is chronic. Even if it's been many years since you experienced a fracture in a car accident or tore your ACL while running, you may still be experiencing pain now.
Osteoarthritis, which is often called "wear and tear" arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage between bones breaks down or is damaged. While getting older increases your chances of developing osteoarthritis, it can occur in people of all ages.
Fibromyalgia. This chronic health condition can cause pain and tenderness throughout the body, including the knee joints.
Whatever caused your knee pain, there is no question that it interferes with your life and maybe even your job. Pain can prevent you from being active and doing the things you love. Anyone experiencing knee pain has several options for pain relief.
Knee Pain Remedies
Some people with knee pain prefer to treat themselves with self-care measures at home. Others will consult with their physicians. And some will do a combination of the two to find relief.
Over the Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers
OTC pain medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen are inexpensive and easy to obtain. For most people, occasionally using these medications is fine. However, long-term use or taking more than the recommended amount may lead to stomach problems, ulcers, kidney damage.
Prescription Pain Relievers
Some people who have knee pain will see their doctor for prescription medications. Some of these drugs, like oxycodone or Vicodin, are opioids. In addition to relieving pain, opioids can produce a pleasurable feeling or a "high." For this reason, some people may become addicted to prescription opioids over time.
Ice/Heat/Rest
Depending on the cause of your knee pain, applying ice or heat may help. In addition, so can resting the knee and elevating it. However, one has to be careful not to "baby" their knee when some exercise and movement could in fact be beneficial.
Topical Medications
Many people turn to creams, ointments, and patches for their knee pain. These medications provide pain relief without the adverse effects that oral medications can cause. These medications are available both OTC and with a prescription. Common brand names for topical medications that relieve knee pain are Bengay, Icy Hot, Tiger Balm, Voltaren, Aspercreme, and Capzasin. The pain-relieving effects of topical medications may be short-lived. In addition, some creams and ointments have a strong odor.
Vitamins & Supplements
High quality vitamins and supplements may be effective in easing knee pain. They work in part by supporting the body's natural functions, without simply "masking" the pain. These products can be purchased without a prescription and are often reasonably priced, considering the benefits.
Many people turn to vitamins and supplements because they desire a more natural approach to their health. A potential downside to supplements is that pain relief may not be experienced right away. It can take some time and patience to experience the full benefits of a natural supplement.
Vitamins and Supplements for Healthy Knee Joints
Before discussing natural treatments for knee pain, it is helpful to know exactly what a vitamin or supplement is.
- The simplest definition of a vitamin is that it is a substance your body needs for normal cell function.
- A supplement can add nutrients to your diet or help lower your risk of certain health conditions. A supplement can contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, plants, and ingredients from other natural sources, like animals.
Both vitamins and minerals are available as tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids.
If you have any questions about a vitamin or supplement, including whether it will adversely interact with any other supplements or medications you're currently taking, you should consult with your doctor.
There are several vitamins and natural substances that may ease knee pain for some people. It would be expensive and cumbersome to purchase all of these ingredients individually. You can get the most "bang for your buck" by taking Movexa, a 100% natural joint support supplement.
Top-Rated Knee Pain Supplement
Better Health and Wellness has reviewed and rated some of the joint support supplements on the market today. Their number one choice was Movexa, which they called "The most effective natural joint supplement we tested."
Movexa takes some of the best vitamins, minerals, and natural pain-relieving substances in the world and puts them in one, easy-to-take tablet.
- Some of the chemicals found in New Zealand Green Lip Mussels may ease knee pain by decreasing inflammation. However, many of us cannot afford or do not have access to this fresh shellfish! Taking a supplement containing these mussels is the next best thing.
- Yucca schidigera is a plant native to Mexico. It's potential anti-arthritic properties have been known for years and used in folk remedies.
- Glucosamine sulfate helps connective tissue maintain its elasticity and cushioning properties.
- Chondroitin sulfate helps maintain healthy cartilage.
- Vitamin B-12 supports the development of nerves and blood cells.
- Devil's Claw may result in decreased pain and increased flexibility in the knee joint.
- Boron supports strong bones and helps maintain muscle coordination.
Movexa is an all natural supplement. No side effects have been reported by anyone taking this supplement. However, people with a shellfish allergy should not take Movexa, as it contains mussels. If you have questions about Movexa, please contact us to learn more.
Unlinked Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-medication-side-effects#2
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-830/new-zealand-green-lipped-mussel
Joint Support eBook
Vitamin definition, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm