Many people experience joint pain, often from a disease like arthritis. Pain may come with stiffness, inflammation, and a reduced range of motion. The aches can feel mild, debilitating, or somewhere in between. However, asking your family doctor about ways to reduce pain naturally can help improve your quality of life. 

A Family Doctor's Guide to Relieving Joint Pain

1. Massage

A massage can reduce tension in your body and improve your overall well-being. If you have arthritis, massages using moderate pressure are essential because the gentle force the therapist applies to your body will trigger your brain to release serotonin. The chemical messenger acts as a mood booster and can relieve some of your joint pain.

2. Exercise

If your achy joints are due to a form of arthritis, you might shy away from the idea of daily exercise to prevent further aggravating your joints. However, gentle physical activities can bring relief. 

Not only will exercise assist with weight management, but it also improves joint flexibility. Consider participating in low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or tai chi to stay fit and minimize your aches.  

3. Hot & Cold Therapy

Inflammation usually comes with joint pain, and heat and cold treatments may help. Heat therapy is best for stiff, painful joints because the warmth helps your blood vessels widen to increase oxygen flow to muscle tissues. The heat also stimulates joint fluid to lubricate the tissues. Cold therapy brings quick relief and is best for achy joints that also have bruising or swelling. Examples of hot and cold treatments include moist heating pads and gel ice packs wrapped in a towel. 

4. Weight Loss

Weight loss can reduce arthritis pain because every pound a person loses equates to a 4-pound reduction in the load exerted on the knees. Even a loss of 5 pounds can significantly reduce the pressure on your knees, hips, and feet. With regular exercise and a nutritious diet, you can maintain a healthy weight, alleviate painful joints, and improve mobility. 

If you need a family doctor's help managing joint pain, contact HDR Healthcare Network in the Bronx, NY. They can help educate you about your condition and work with you on a plan for pain prevention and wellness. They also have urgent care facilities throughout the city for your convenience. Call (929) 256-5005 or visit their website to learn more about their services.