How to Relieve Joint Pain?

Did you know that around 1.71 billion people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal disorders? Joint pain, felt in one or more of the many joints in the human body, can affect energy, mood, sleep quality, and even mental clarity. Consequently, it leads to a decrease in overall well-being and reduces the ability to fully participate in social life. ¹

Musculoskeletal disorders are numerous. Among the most common are arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints, and osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the cartilage in the joints. ^2-3

Did you know that in Canada, 6 million Canadians (1 in 5) currently have arthritis, and that number will rise to 9 million by 2040? ²

What is Arthritis? ³

Arthritis is a term that encompasses over 100 diseases (including osteoarthritis), all characterized by inflammation of the joints and other parts of the body. As a chronic disease, arthritis affects individuals continuously, permanently, or recurrently. Inflammation is marked by pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling. It targets weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, and the spine, as well as non-weight-bearing ones like fingers. Arthritis causes pain, restricts mobility, and significantly impacts the quality of life. It deeply affects all aspects of life, from simple daily tasks like dressing and meal preparation to becoming a hindrance at work and in education.

Arthritis: Not Just an “Old People” Disease ⁴

Contrary to popular myth, arthritis is no longer considered a disease that only affects the elderly. In fact, 55% of those affected are under 65, and up to 25,000 Canadian children have arthritis-related issues.^2-3

How to Relieve Joint Pain? Here are 9 tips to bring relief:^4-5

1. Manage your weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in managing pain. Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, ankles, and feet, potentially worsening their condition.

1. Make dietary changes: Incorporating more omega-3s into your diet is a great way to reduce arthritic pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s are found in many foods, including fatty fish (like salmon and trout), fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil. Probiotics can also be a great alternative!

1. Engage in physical activities: Though it may seem counterintuitive, moving daily helps alleviate pain by stimulating endorphin production. It also helps maintain flexibility, joint mobility, muscle mass to support the joints, and improves coordination and balance.

1. Try different gentle therapies: such as heat application (thermotherapy), water therapy (hydrotherapy), and ointments.

1. Take Vitamin D3: With the sunny season here, take advantage of sunlight for your daily Vitamin D intake. For those with osteoarthritis, the more advanced the condition, the greater the Vitamin D3 deficiency might be. It is essential to ensure adequate daily intake of Vitamin D3, especially during winter.

1. Don’t forget the benefits of essential oils: Use rosemary, ginger, turmeric, or the arnica tincture, traditionally used in phytotherapy to address joint pain and inflammation.⁶

1. Manage stress and anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, massage therapy, or tai chi) and ensure you get enough sleep.

1. Make time for recreation: By focusing on a pleasant activity, you can divert your brain’s attention away from the pain.

1. Consider homeopathy:

Discover Arnicare® Flex for a more comfortable everyday life!

 

Arnicare® Flex*, the latest addition to Boiron’s Arnicare line, is a homeopathic medicine for temporary relief of joint pain (symptoms associated with arthritis, osteoarthritis minor sprains and strains). Suitable for adults and children from 10 years old, its formula combines the benefits of Arnica and Harpagophytum mother tinctures, well-known for their properties on joints. Formulated exclusively with naturally-sourced medicinal ingredients, Arnicare® Flex is free from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), menthol, camphor and fragrance. It comes in a light, non-greasy, fast-absorbing cream texture. Additionnaly, its ergonomic cap makes the Arnicare® Flex tube is easy to open and close, even during arthritis flare-ups.

* This homeopathic medicine may not be suitable for everyone. Always read the label and follow the instructions.

 

References:

1 World Health Organisation (WHO) – Musculoskeletal health (who.int)

2 Report on the Status of Arthritis in Canada (August 2019) and its Update (September 2021) prepared by the Arthritis Community Research and Evaluation Unit (ACREU) on behalf of the Arthritis Society of Canada. The facts and statistics are based on an analysis of the Canadian Community Health Surveys (CCHS) 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 by Statistics Canada.

 

Manuels Merck for the general public –Joint Pain: Many Joints – Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version (merckmanuals.com)

3 Arthritis Society of Canada – What is Arthritis – Inflammatory Diseases | Arthritis Society Canada

4 Journal Accès – Arthrite, arthrose et autres : Comment soulager ? | Journal Accès (journalacces.ca)

5 Magazine Le Bel Âge – 10 solutions pour soulager les articulations – Bel Âge (lebelage.ca);

 

       6 Monography Arnica – ARNICA – ARNICA MONTANA Semisolid dosage forms (hc-sc.gc.ca)