Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis. Sports Injuries. Exercise and Physical Activity from the National Institute on Aging. Spanish captioning is available. Joint Health Social Media Graphics. Monthly Health Observances. Printable Materials for Community Events. To receive upcoming issues of NIAMS Community Outreach Bulletin , subscribe by entering your email address below.

Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases. Current Funding Opportunities. NIAMS Labs and Core Facilities. For Principal Investigators. For Patients. All NIAMS News. Director's Page. Bone Health. Featured Resources:. Living With Arthritis This booklet contains general information about arthritis, including the different forms, causes, symptoms, and treatment, and gives tips on how to manage the condition.

Living With Lupus This booklet provides information about lupus, including signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and ways to cope with the disease.

Psoriatic Arthritis Reactive Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Image. Other Joint Health Conditions and Diseases Some diseases cause joint swelling, pain, and inflammation. Promote Joint Health Share these resources with your community to help keep their joints healthy. Joint Health Social Media Graphics Monthly Health Observances Printable Materials for Community Events.

See All Health Topics. NIAMS Publication Ordering System. Find More Resources On: Community Outreach Home Health Observances Bone Health Joint Health Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament Health Skin Health Kids and Young Adults Older Adults Spread the Word!

Resources in Other Languages Social Media Resources. There are also dozens of supplements that claim to treat joint pain, but which ones actually work? Turmeric is one of the most popular supplements for treating pain, including joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Its pain-relieving effects are attributed to a chemical compound in turmeric called curcumin. Curcumin seems to have anti-inflammatory effects. Although research on turmeric for joint pain is limited, an analysis of studies found that it improves symptoms of joint pain more than a placebo and may be comparable to ibuprofen.

Try it: Turmeric is usually taken in a dose of mg two to four times daily. Learn more about the benefits of turmeric and curcumin. Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects. An analysis of clinical research shows that taking fish oil supplements reduces symptoms such as joint pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Try it: Typical fish oil doses range from to 1, mg per day. Glucosamine is natural component of cartilage, a substance that prevents bones from rubbing against each other and causing pain and inflammation.

It might also help prevent the cartilage breakdown that can happen with arthritis. Many supplements aimed at treating joint pain contain glucosamine, which is one of the most well-studied supplements for osteoarthritis.

But despite this research, there are still some questions about how well it works. There are two types of glucosamine found in supplements: glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate. Another study shows that glucosamine sulfate does improve these symptoms, so it may be a better option that glucosamine hydrochloride.

When taken over a long period of time, glucosamine sulfate may also help to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Studies suggest that it slows down narrowing of the joint space, a marker of the condition getting worse, when taken for up to three years.

Try it: Glucosamine sulfate is typically taken once daily in a dose of 1, milligrams mg. If this upsets your stomach, try spreading it out over three doses of mg each. You can find glucosamine sulfate supplements on Amazon. Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a building block of cartilage.

It may also help prevent cartilage breakdown from osteoarthritis. Many clinical studies have found that chondroitin can reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. About 53 percent of people who take chondroitin have a 20 percent or greater improvement in knee pain.

Chondroitin sulfate may also slow down the progression of osteoarthritis when taken long-term. Studies show that it slows down narrowing of the joint space when taken for up to 2 years. Joint supplements often combine chondroitin with glucosamine. Try it: Chondroitin is typically taken in a dose of to mg two or three times per day.

You can find chondroitin supplements on Amazon. S-adenosyl-L-methionine SAMe is a supplement commonly used to help with symptoms of depression and osteoarthritis. Your liver naturally produces SAMe from an amino acid called methionine.

It has several functions, including helping the production and repair of cartilage. When taken as a supplement, SAMe can help with symptoms of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. It may be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib Celebrex. In one study from , celecoxib improved symptoms more than SAMe after a month of treatment.

But by the second month, the treatments were comparable. Try it: SAMe is usually taken in doses of to mg three times per day. Keep in mind that it may take some time to notice results.

You can find SAMe supplements on Amazon. Boswellia , also known as Indian frankincense, is commonly used for pain caused by arthritis. Chemicals in this extract called boswellia acids have anti-inflammatory effects.

Clinical studies have shown that boswellia extracts improve pain symptoms more than a placebo in people with osteoarthritis. Try it: Studies looking at the use of boswellia for joint pain have used doses ranging from mg once per day to mg three times per day.

You can find boswellia supplements on Amazon. Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables ASUs refer to a type of extract from avocado and soybean oils that might help prevent the breakdown of cartilage. It may also help to repair cartilage.

Clinical studies show that ASUs improve pain symptoms more than placebo in people with osteoarthritis. Try it: The typical dose of ASU is mg per day. You can find ASU supplements on Amazon.

Methylsulfonylmethane MSM is another common ingredient in supplements said to help with joint pain. In one study , MSM improved pain and functioning compared to a placebo in people with osteoarthritis. Try it: Typical MSM doses range from 1, to 6, mg per day, sometimes divided into two doses.

You can find MSM supplements on Amazon. Choosing a supplement for joint pain can be overwhelming with the number of products available.

Many of these products contain multiple ingredients. Also, these products are not regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration so read labels carefully. Others might contain multiple beneficial ingredients, such glucosamine and chondroitin.

Plus, some of these products have too little of one or more ingredients for them to be beneficial. Some joint health supplements can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Nearly 45 percent of U. adults ages 40 to 59 are obese, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show. Extra weight, Hume explains, puts extra stress on the joints — especially weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

One study found that losing one pound of body weight reduces the load on the knees by 4 pounds. What's more, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause inflammation in and around your joints, which is another reason losing weight can help with joint discomfort.

Privacy Policy. Being underweight can pose problems for the joints, too. This force is meant to be distributed throughout the body. Target Optical. Hand in hand with weight management is a healthy diet.

Some research shows a Mediterranean diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and healthy fats — benefits people with osteoarthritis.

A 4,person study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , for example, found that adults with osteoarthritis who stuck to a Mediterranean diet more often had less pain, disability and depressive symptoms. Another study found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of worsening knee pain from osteoarthritis.

Supplements abound when it comes to joint pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly marketed, but evidence of their effectiveness is scant, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at the National Institutes of Health.

Same goes for dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO and methylsulfonylmethane MSM , which have been used for arthritis. Because glucosamine and chondroitin may interact with blood thinners, like warfarin, and could interfere with the way the body handles sugar, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking them or any other supplement.

DMSO and MSM can also come with side effects, including an upset stomach and skin irritation. If you're dehydrated, your body will start siphoning water from other sources, including the cartilage, which is mostly water about 80 percent.

Drawing water out of the cartilage, however, lessens its lubrication, which can lead to joint pain. Drinking plenty of water also helps flush inflammatory toxins out of the body and prevents injury to other areas that work in tandem with the joints.

When joint pain strikes, you don't have to suffer through it. There are simple ways to alleviate the aches that accompany arthritis. First though, try to understand what brought on the pain.

Was it because you pushed too hard? You may find that ice after exercise and a compression sleeve during is enough to keep joint pain at bay.

If it persists, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories ibuprofen and naproxen and pain relievers acetaminophen can help. Just be sure to talk to your pharmacist or health care provider about which one is best for you. Anti-inflammatories can increase bleeding risks in the gastrointestinal tract, and this risk increases with age; people with liver damage should avoid acetaminophen.

There are also topical pain relievers that come with fewer side effects. Other research suggests eating vitamin K-rich veggies like broccoli, spinach, lettuce, kale and cabbage dramatically reduces inflammatory markers in the blood. Best sources: Colorful fruits and veggies — the darker or more brilliant the color, the more antioxidants it has.

Good ones include blueberries, cherries, spinach, kale and broccoli. Olive Oil How much: Two to three tablespoons daily. Why: Olive oil is loaded with heart-healthy fats, as well as oleocanthal, which has properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs.

Best sources: Extra virgin olive oil goes through less refining and processing, so it retains more nutrients than standard varieties. Avocado and safflower oils have shown cholesterol-lowering properties, while walnut oil has 10 times the omega-3s that olive oil has.

Beans How much: About one cup, twice a week or more. Why: Beans are loaded with fiber and phytonutrients, which help lower CRP, an indicator of inflammation found in the blood.

At high levels, CRP could indicate anything from an infection to RA. In a study scientists analyzed the nutrient content of 10 common bean varieties and identified a host of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Beans are also an excellent and inexpensive source of protein and have about 15 grams per cup, which is important for muscle health.

Best sources: Small red beans, red kidney beans and pinto beans rank among the U. Whole Grains How much: Eat a total of six ounces of grains per day; at least three of which should come from whole grains. One ounce of whole grain would be equal to ½ cup cooked brown rice or one slice of whole-wheat bread.

Why: Whole grains contain plenty of filling fiber — which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Some studies have also shown that fiber and fiber-rich foods can lower blood levels of CRP, an inflammatory marker. Best sources: Eat foods made with the entire grain kernel, like whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, bulgur, brown rice and quinoa.

Some people may need to be careful about which whole grains they eat. Gluten — a protein found in wheat and other grains — has been linked to inflammation for people with celiac disease CD or gluten sensitivity.

Nightshade Vegetables Why: Nightshade vegetables , including eggplant, tomatoes, red bell peppers and potatoes, are disease-fighting powerhouses that boast maximum nutrition for minimal calories.

August 24, 5 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Joints Healthy General Health. Here are a few steps you can take: Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight places extra strain on your weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, ankles, hips, and back.

And according to the Arthritis Foundation, every pound of excess weight you carry results in an additional four pounds of extra pressure on your weight-bearing joints. By achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, you can limit the amount of stress on your joints and reduce your risk of joint damage.

Keep moving. Staying active can help to reduce stiffness in your joints. You should move around often during the day and avoid staying in one position for too long. Low-impact exercise — such as walking, swimming, cycling, strength training, and stretching — can help your joints stay mobile and may even help you shed some extra pounds.

When doing any type of exercise, you should be sure to protect your joints by taking it slowly at first and wearing proper protective equipment, if necessary. Stay strong. Strong muscles and bones provide support and stability for your joints. Adding strength training exercises to your routine can help you build muscles that keep your joints safe and mobile.

Your strength training routine should include core-strengthening exercises for your abdominal, back, and chest muscles; a strong core can help to prevent problems with balance, falls, and other accidents that could cause joint injury.

Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or running, can help you to maintain strong bones. Use correct posture. Proper posture can prevent added stress on your joints and reduce your risk of injury to the surrounding muscles.

Sanchez-Sotelo says most of his osteoarthritis patients are in their 60s when they go to see a health care professional with symptoms — achy and painful joints, stiffness, and loss of movement — that developed over time.

Sanchez-Sotelo says you can take steps when you are younger to protect your joints as you age. Having strong muscles around the joints can help take the load off the joints.

However, people who exercise at high levels in sports, like football and bodybuilding, have higher risks of developing arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as obesity is hard on the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular supplements for joint pain, but lack convincing evidence that they work, Dr.

We are not all destined for joint replacement. There are some people in their 80s and 90s who have great joints. To interview Dr. Sanchez-Sotelo, please contact Rhoda Madson, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau mayo.

Arthritis-related severe joint pain affects adults of all ages, both sexes, and all races and ethnicities. CDC supports programs for people with arthritis so they can work and do other daily activities, have less pain, manage their own care, and prevent or delay disability.

CDC research related to pain includes:. Learn more about the reach of CDC-funded Programs. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search. Español Other Languages. Joint Pain and Arthritis. Minus Related Pages.

Defining Pain Severe joint pain : When an individual rates his or her pain as 7 or higher out of 10 on a scale of 0 no pain to 10 as bad as it can be.

Severe Joint Pain Among Adults With Arthritis. Arthritis and Joint Pain Management. Pain management strategies should be flexible and tailored to meet the needs of the patient.

Arthritis Pain Management Without Medications. Physical activity and self-management education programs improve quality of life. Keep moving. Staying active can help to reduce stiffness in your joints. You should move around often during the day and avoid staying in one position for too long.

Low-impact exercise — such as walking, swimming, cycling, strength training, and stretching — can help your joints stay mobile and may even help you shed some extra pounds. When doing any type of exercise, you should be sure to protect your joints by taking it slowly at first and wearing proper protective equipment, if necessary.

Stay strong. Strong muscles and bones provide support and stability for your joints. Adding strength training exercises to your routine can help you build muscles that keep your joints safe and mobile. Your strength training routine should include core-strengthening exercises for your abdominal, back, and chest muscles; a strong core can help to prevent problems with balance, falls, and other accidents that could cause joint injury.

Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or running, can help you to maintain strong bones. Use correct posture. Proper posture can prevent added stress on your joints and reduce your risk of injury to the surrounding muscles. Being mindful of your posture while performing repetitive motions, sitting, and standing — and being especially careful if you are carrying or lifting heavy objects — can protect you from a painful injury or joint damage.

Eating healthy may improve your joint health and help you lose excess weight. Eating lean proteins can help you build strong muscles. You can keep your bones strong by eating foods with calcium and Vitamin D, such as dairy products and other fortified foods. Fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation in your joints.