Toward Remedies For Your Ache Joints -- Post 3

In our earlier posts we touched on some causes of ache joints and Osteoarthritis (OA). Now we will discuss some ways to topically treat OA.

A non-invasive way of treating joint aches is the application of herbal creams. These are usually absorbed through the skin and are good at providing temporary relief. Check with your doctor because many of these creams may not be strong enough to provide you adequate relief.

You can also seek out homeopathic medicines for joint ache relief. Most practitioners of homeopathy recommended the taking of vitamin and mineral supplements in these cases.

Some supplements to consider are:

- cod liver oil and kelp

- minerals like copper, iron and zinc, and

- vitamins A, C, E and B-complex.

There is a whole range of alternative therapies which promise to ease joint aches. An exotic one is acupuncture.

Now, a modern equivalent of acupuncture is also gaining popularity. It is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS.

Also, you might want to try ginger baths. Even soaks and compresses have been effective for some people with this herb.

This is because they soothe the joint through warmth, thereby relieving the soreness. Another potion is warm footbath for aching ankles.

Essential oils can also be helpful in this regard (especially peppermint and rosemary). They are purported to be particularly effective if taken just before bed.

Some people claim Allopathic drugs can help to relieve the pain and inflammation.

Until recently, NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the standard drug therapy recommended for patients of OA. Examples of these drugs include aspirin and ibuprofen.

They certainly help in short term pain relief and inflammation suppression. But recent studies show that NSAIDS might actually promote the progression of Osteoarthritis. This is because they interfere and inhibit the cartilage repairing abilities of the body.

Some studies suggest in the case of menopausal women, they even stimulate the condition of osteoporosis and impair the function of the immune system.

A good supplementary drug in place of NSAID might be glucosamine sulfate or GLS. This compound performs the function of a building block for GAGs (glycosaminoglycans).

GAGs promote the absorption of the mineral sulfur in the cartilage. The use of GLS has been found to produce better results than NSAIDS.

Doctors are also not averse to recommending the use of anti-inflammatory herbs for standard ache relief. Not only this, they also supply bone-building minerals to the body.

Next post we reveal some ways in which what you eat may help give you healthier joints.