Joint pain is one of the most uncomfortable and difficult pains to deal with for people of all ages. One of the most common ailments, joint pain is very personal. It ranges on a case-by-case basis in terms of how painful, how often, and how best to treat it. Chronic joint pain can come from various ailments including, but not limited to, arthritis, gout, sprains, strains, and many other injuries.

Doctors have a variety of potential treatments and they work diligently to ensure that each individual patient has a treatment that works for them specifically. However, with more research being done to cure such pain, more options are beginning to open up and become mainstream in this particular field of medicine.

Chronic joint pain can come from various ailments.

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy is an in-office treatment that targets the problem area to reactivate your body’s natural ability to heal itself. Stem cells work to seek out inflammation and degeneration within specific locations in the body and begin to repair the tissue.

Stem cells are known for improving a variety of health complications and ailments. The research surrounding stem cells has led to very promising advances in the world of health and medicine. They have been discovered to improve and help repair areas such as bones, muscles, cartilage and tendons. These types of treatments will provide you exactly what your body needs in order to heal itself.

Stem cells are known for improving a variety of health complications and ailments.Image credit: Dr Alice Pien

Stem cells work to repair the area right away and even modulate the immune system. Patients can begin to notice a change and improvement from within a 6-week to 3-month time frame. Appointments last a simple 45 minutes. They include an injection to the joint, an infusion/IV, or both depending on the patient. There are no side effects, and patients have the ability to drive themselves home.

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Diet and exercise

A more natural way of dealing with chronic joint pain may sound too simple, but the results speak for themselves. Consistent and regular movement of the joints help maintain flexibility. While high-energy exercise such as jogging or even walking can cause further damage, low-impact techniques, such as swimming or water aerobics, can improve joints without subjecting them to further stress.

In addition to this, adjusting one’s diet can also contribute to improving joint pain. Supplements such as fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids have proven to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. You can also add turmeric, a yellow spice common in many Indian dishes. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce arthritic pain.

Consistent and regular movement of the joints help maintain flexibility.

Acupuncture

Becoming more mainstream for all sorts of ailments, acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice that involves inserting tiny needles into different points all over the body. The idea of this, much like Chakras, is to renew and reroute energies located on various places within the body and to restore balance.

Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into different points all over the body.

Used for treatment for over 100 different kinds of medical conditions, acupuncture can be practised weekly for several months and may exhibit quick results. Other holistic treatments can accompany acupuncture to achieve a more mindful and centred approach to dealing with pain. For example, many physicians also advise on therapy, guided meditation and yoga. This is because much of chronic joint pain can be triggered or worsened due to mental anguish and stress.

Take away

Overall, dealing with chronic joint pain is unique to each individual who experiences it. While some may choose to administer NSAIDs or other oral medications, others may opt for Eastern medicine and practise deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Much research is being done to advance medicine for chronic pain, but there is still so much we don’t know. As with many other common ailments, it is sometimes best to find your perfect solution through trial and error. By trying one of these three methods, you will be on your way to finding out what works best for you and your body.

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This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological or psychiatric condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read online. Read the full disclaimer here. 

Wendy Whitehead worked as a teaching assistant at two special needs schools in London before embarking on a different career as a marketing consultant. Her passion for special education still remains with her, however. She is passionate about mental health and well-being and she write articles in these areas. Wendy did her undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Leicester. She later on did a short course in counselling from the University of Hertfordshire.