Weekly Wellness Tips

This week, I want to focus on joint pain. Many of us suffer from joint pain from time to time, some of us suffer from it chronically. Either way, joint pain is never fun. Even if you only feel it from time to time, it is one of the most uncomfortable things that the human body faces. Whether the pain be from arthritis, lymes disease, or a slew of other possible reasons for the discomfort, it is hardly worth distinguishing when it is affecting us or those we love. Here are some tips to help you deal with the pain in your joints.
1. Epsom Salt Soak. This tried and true method has been handed down from different generations as an almost surefire way to combat joint pain. If you take a bath, make a percentage of the tub contain Epsom salt and simply relax. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, get a small tub and make a soak for your hands or feet.
2. White Willow Bark. White Willow bark has been known for ages to relieve joint pain caused by different maladies. Often called “The Original Asprin”, white willow bark can be boiled into a tea or taken through capsules and used like any other medication.
3. Watch Your Diet. Unfortunately, some of the things we eat thinking we are doing good by our bodies may be making your joint pain worse. Foods such as grapefruit are known inflammatorys and are actually bad for you if you have a predisposition to arthritis and other joint pains.
4. Hot and Cold Packs. Using heat and ice is usually used as a catchall for injuries and joint pain is no exception. You can make your own heat packs by using an old sock and some uncooked rice by putting it in the microwave for a little while. Just be careful that the pack isn’t too hot for your skin. Alternately, if you are using ice, be sure that you have something between the pack and your skin to prevent a contact freeze.
Although joint pain is, well, painful, there are some ways to help combat the soreness. Of course, coming to a chiropractor may be able to help, however between visits these are some tips you may be able to try. Remember to always check with your doctor before trying any supplement or other at-home remedy.