We all know that many people suffer from knee pain, which is really bad. According to the experts, it’s estimated that by age 85, half the population of the U.S. will experience a knee condition. And, unfortunately, if you are overweight or obese, that percentage rises to 66%. Lower extremity joints take a beating, supporting every standing movement. In this article we’re going to show you a few things (Stretches, Topical treatments and The best foods) which will help you with this problem.
JOINT HEALTH – 6 Things You MUST Know:
- You should keep the surrounding muscles strong to reduce joint stress.
- Healthy weight will prevent excess strain.
- Sitting for long periods of time can cause joint pain. So, if you have to sit at your job, make sure you get up every 10 minutes and move.
- Nutrition is important for joint health (magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D are the nutrient trio responsible for bone health).
- If your knees hurt, stay away from vigorous exercise that will exacerbate the problem. Walking or pool aerobics will maintain mobility.
- Be very careful stretching cold muscles—you can do more harm than good. Warming up first is best if you can: a brisk 10-minute walk during a work break and followed by stretching will strengthen and invigorate.
Topical Treatments for Knee Pain
- Epsom salt, because it’s rich in magnesium. How to use it – just apply it on a sore joint. It allows the skin to absorb this important mineral, reducing inflammation and easing pain. A whole Epsom bath makes everything feel better—dissolve 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in ½ a cup of water. Soak a cotton cloth with the mixture and place on the joint for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lemon peels can reduce swelling and promote blood flow. It’s very simple – just grate a lemon rind, squeeze the bits together, apply to the knee, and cover with gauze for 2 hours for rapid relief.
- Vitamin D is very important for joint health. So, you should go outside in the sunshine for 20 minutes a day (without sunscreen).
- Coconut oil is a nutritious anti-inflammatory. Here’s what you need to do – just warm a teaspoon of solid coconut oil between your hands and rub your knees, first clockwise, then counter-clockwise for 10-15 minutes.
- Cayenne contains an anti-oxidant that inhibits pain transmitters.
Foods for Knee Pain
- Gelatin – because it contains collagen, a component of bones and connective tissue. And, make sure you always use the plain gelatin (not the sugar-filled popular brand). You can add this ingredient in yogurt, a smoothie, or flavored with fruit juice, honey, or herbs and spices. Eaten regularly, gelatin is good for the knees.
- Herbs: boswellia, evening primrose, and stinging nettle reduce inflammation and pain.
- Spices: turmeric, cayenne, ginger, and cinnamon are potent anti-inflammatories.
- Vitamin D: Fatty fish like sardines, tuna, wild salmon, and mackerel; organic orange juice; mushrooms; and eggs are good sources.
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