It’s that time of year again! The weather is getting colder, the days are shorter, and for many of us, that means our joints and muscles are starting to feel the effects of the change in season.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from joint pain, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the constant aching, stiffness, and swelling.
But just because you’re not spending as much time outdoors doesn’t mean you can neglect your body—especially your joints. Here are 5 simple and natural ways to get ahead of joint pain this winter:
But don’t despair! Here are 5 ways to keep your joints healthy and pain-free all season long:
Get a Massage
There’s no doubt that getting a massage feels good, but that’s not all.
One of the key effects of massage is to improve blood flow. This is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells, and for flushing out waste products.
Improved blood flow can also help to reduce inflammation, which is often a major factor in pain. Massage can also help to release tight muscles, which can stiffen up your joints and muscles.
If you can’t make it to a professional masseuse, try using a foam roller or tennis ball to self-massage at home.
Heat or ice can be helpful for relieving pain associated with sore muscles and joints. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, try both and see what provides the most relief.
Just be sure not to apply heat or ice directly to your skin—wrap it in a towel first so you don’t injure yourself.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.
One of the best ways to reduce joint pain is to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Certain foods can help reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of joint pain. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of animal protein, and instead focus on eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and omega-3 rich foods.
Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods include:
- Fresh, leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli
- Fish (salmon, sardines and tuna are anti-inflammatory and packed with omega 3)
- Nuts hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts and almonds
- Chia and Flaxseed
Turmeric and ginger contain antioxidants and have also shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Incorporating these into your diet is a simple way to help prevent joint pain before it starts.
Don’t Be A Couch Potato
It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise is actually one of the best things you can do for joint pain. It helps strengthen the muscles around the joints, which in turn helps support and stabilize the joints themselves.
Of course, it’s important not to overdo it – moderate exercise is key.
As we age, our bodies naturally start to lose elasticity in our muscles and connective tissues, making it harder to move around comfortably. This process is accelerated by a sedentary lifestyle.
When we don’t use our muscles, they begin to atrophy and lose mass. This loss of muscle mass not only leads to weakness, but also stiffness and reduced flexibility.
So how can we avoid this fate?
Stretching helps to maintain muscle mass and keeps our tissues flexible. It’s never too late to start stretching, but the sooner you start, the better. Even just a few minutes of stretching each day can make a big difference in your overall flexibility.
Incorporating a few stretches into your daily routine is a simple way to help prevent joint pain this winter—and all year round!
Double Down On Supplements
When it comes to joint pain, there are a lot of things that can help. But if you’re looking for something to really give you the edge, then you need to start thinking about supplements.
- Vitamin D3 is essential for strong bones.
- Zinc helps to reduce inflammation.
- Omega 3 is also a great way to reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
So if you’re serious about reducing your joint pain, then start taking these supplements today. You’ll be glad you did.
Try CBD for Targeted Relief
CBD products are becoming a go-to remedy as people look for natural ways to ease discomfort and relieve pain. And it seems that many are finding that CBD products offer real benefits.
CBD Oil and CBD Gel have been gaining popularity as a two-pronged approach to pain relief.
CBD oil is taken orally, and it is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and pain receptors. CBD gel, on the other hand, is applied directly to the skin which may help to soothe pain and provide targeted relief.
While research is still in its infancy, judging by the reports of those who have tried it, the combination of these 2 methods seems to work better.
Reports claim that the combination of treatments helps them to reduce inflammation and ease joint pain more effectively and with fewer side effects.