There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications people take for joint pain. Most products depend on only a few ingredients to relieve joint pain.

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications people take for joint pain. Most products depend on only a few ingredients to relieve joint pain.

BE CAREFUL when combining OTC medications!

Many over-the-counter OTC medications contain the same ingredients, so it is essential to know what the ingredients are in the medicines you take. Because if you take a combination of OTC medications, you bear the risk of increased side effects and possible death.

For instance, some OTC pain relievers contain acetaminophen and aspirin in a single pill. Some OTC medications combine aspirin, acetaminophen, antihistamines, and decongestants to aid pain relief and sleep.

Always check with your pharmacist or physician before combining medications, such as when you have the flu. If you have long-term joint pain and you feel you need more than one medication, have your doctor give you separate prescriptions, so you are sure to get the correct dose of each drug.

Capsaicin is derived from chili peppers and is one of the OTC ingredients in various topical creams and ointments. They are warming and help soothe the pain in your joints.

Supplements to look for when experiencing joint pain:

Note: Always consult your doctor before trying a new supplement, as some can have dangerous drug interactions and can cause side effects.

Glucosamine Sulfate

Boswellia Extract

Chondroitin Sulfate

Turmeric Curcumin

Ginkgo

Boswellia

Bromelain

Ways to Remedy your Joint Pain

Manage your weight. Weight gain can significantly impact joint pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis. Added weight puts more pressure and stress on your joints, especially your hips, knees, and feet. Losing weight can help your mobility, lower the amount of pain, and prevent more damage to your joints. Ask your doctor to help you set a weight goal and design a program to assist you in reaching your goal.

Exercise can help you maintain flexibility, strengthen muscles, and manage weight. Try exercising with a friend or family member. Nature walks are great exercise and also enhance your spirituality. Use low-impact activities such as swimming (there is no gravity to pressure your joints), cycling, and tai chi. Some insurance contracts include exercise programs. Check with your insurance company!

Use cold and hot therapy. Heat and cold treatments can help relieve the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Cold therapy reduces inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts can ease the stiffness. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply to the affected joints for quick relief. Note** Never apply ice cubes directly onto your skin.

Follow a healthy nutrition plan. Eating whole foods, fresh vegetables, and fruits can help boost your immune system and offer you a better quality of life overall. Plant-based products are full of antioxidants, which help your body eliminate free radicals and reduce inflammation. Likewise, a diet rich in processed foods, added sugar, red meat, and saturated fats can aggravate symptoms associated with arthritis and joint pain. Those foods also contribute to the development of heart disease and hypertension.

Acupuncture works! This ancient Chinese treatment for joint pain has been practiced for centuries. It involves placing thin needles into particular points in your body that reroute your energies and restore balance to your body, and the risks of harm are very low. Just make sure you go to a reputable and licensed acupuncturist for treatment.

Who doesn’t love a massage? Massage is a great way to practice self-love and to manage joint discomfort. It just makes you feel better all over!