Stiff Achy Joint Relief

Many of us suffer from stiff, achy joints, some more often than others. Whether joint pain is caused by cold or damp weather, arthritis or other bone or muscle conditions, relief from pain and increased range of motion and mobility is the focus of most treatment plans. Relief of stiff, achy joints may be found through prescription or over-the-counter medications or natural home remedies that have been practiced for thousands of years. Understanding the variety of treatment options may help provide those suffering from stiff, achy joints some much-needed relief.

Movement

• Movement may help to relieve stiff, painful joints for many suffering from a medical condition like arthritis. Exercise helps to maintain joint mobility and prevent swelling. Try to perform gentle stretching exercises on a daily basis for every joint in the body. Stretching helps keep joints lubricated and warm. Morning stiffness may be alleviated through a few simple yoga or Pilates exercise moves, which are easy on joints while increasing strength, flexibility and range of motion. Walking and swimming are also excellent low-impact methods of exercise that offer pain relief. The trick is to keep moving.

Herbal Remedies

• Rubbing herbal creams or pastes on aching stiff joints also offers relief for many. Rubbing warm apple cider vinegar into aching joints is a time-honored tradition around the world. Massage aching joints with hot (not scalding) vinegar before bed, or mix about 2 tsps. of apple cider vinegar with 2 tsps. honey in a glass of warm water for relief. Others swear by menthol, camphor or rubbing a mixture created by mixing equal amounts of eucalyptus oil, menthol and camphor onto aching, stiff joints.

Prescriptions

• Over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) also offer relief from swollen, painful and stiff joints. Follow instructions on the package regarding dosage. If pain is severe, discuss options for prescription pain medications that may help reduce inflammation and offer relief as well as increased mobility. Prescription medications often take the form of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Celebrex.