Pain felt in muscles and joints can be annoying, discomforting, and debilitating. By instinct, we want to immediately relieve pain the moment we first feel it, looking for a quick remedy that will go to work fast. Some forms of pain require more intense remedies, but there are some home remedies that you can use to help with muscle and joint pain. Here are a few home remedy ideas you can try the next time you experience pain in your muscles or joints:

Epsom Salt

Soaking in a tub of warm water with a couple of scoops of Epsom salt has been a proven method for addressing aching muscles over the years. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate, which is a natural muscle relaxant. It also helps to reduce swelling by drawing excess fluids out of muscle and joint tissue. Try soaking for 15 minutes at a time, 3 times a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many have found that either drinking apple cider vinegar or rubbing it directly on the area of the sore muscle or joint can help to relieve pain. Those who drink it typically mix it with water and honey to help with the sour taste while others simply take a tablespoon full.

Ginger

Drinking ginger tea is another way to relieve muscle pain. The anti-inflammatory properties in ginger make it an excellent remedy for both muscle and joint pain. In fact, research has shown encouraging results for those with OsteoArthritis who drink ginger tea.

Heat and Cold

Using hot and cold compresses helps to ease joint pain. Heat helps to increase blood flow, which relaxes sore muscles and joints and decreases pain. Cold treatment can reduce inflammation and can also numb the area around the aching muscle or joint. Most people will alternate between heat and cold for best results.

Turmeric

Containing an active ingredient called curcumin that is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is an excellent remedy for joint and muscle pain. Studies have shown that using turmeric is as effective as using ibuprofen for pain relief for those with OsteoArthritis.

Garlic

Garlic is rich in both sulfur and selenium, both of which can help to relieve joint and muscle pain. The sulfur in garlic helps to relieve inflammation, while selenium has an antirheumatic effect. This can be helpful for those with arthritis who tend to have low levels of selenium in the blood. Of course, if you are experiencing pain on a regular basis, you may need more advanced treatment. Chronic joint pain could be a symptom of OsteoArthritis and should be addressed sooner than later. Arrowhead Health Centers has treatment plans available to help those with OsteoArthritis as they work to manage their pain and symptoms. To learn more, call us at 623-334-4000, option 9, to set up a consultation.