Joints connect the various bones, bear the human body weight and allow movement of the body. This means that joints undergo a lot of stress which they are designed to handle. However, there are times when joints undergo a lot of wear and tear and this leads to joint pains. Joint pain is known as arthralgia. Joint pains are very uncomfortable and sometimes can turn so severe that they can get unbearable and one needs to get relief from the pain immediately with the help of medications. These medications, however, may not always be free from adverse health effects. It is recommended to use medicines which do not contain any steroids and are anti-inflammatory so that they can reduce the swelling associated with the joint pains.

Joint pains can be caused due to various reasons. Stress, unhealthy diet, trauma, injuries, wounds, osteoporosis, arthritis may all cause joint pains. The extent of joint pains may be different for different people and each person may get relief from joint pains in a different manner. However, below are a few natural ways which can relieve and even prevent joint pains for most people suffering from them.

1. Ice Therapy: Ice therapy is also known as cryotherapy. In this therapy for joint pains, ice packs are applied on the paining joints for about 10-15 minutes. Cold temperature reduces the blood flow to the joint tissues and thus reduces swelling of the joint. This further helps to relieve the joint pains. Ice must not be directly applied to the affected area during this therapy as this can lead to ice burns.
2. Hydrotherapy: Warm water therapy also works wonders for joint pains. Warm water eases the pressure on joint tissues and muscles and thus relieves pain. Immersing the affected area in warm water and massaging stimulates blood flow and therefore relieves pain and discomfort.
3. Herbal Teas: Drinking herbal teas can alleviate joint pains. These herbal teas are rich in anti-oxidants that fight the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage of the tissues which leads to joint pains. Herbal teas can thus effectively relieve joint pains.
4. Massage: Massage is perhaps the best way in which joint pains of the knees and the hips can be relieved. Massage with a menthol scrub or menthol oil can prove to be very beneficial as it eases out swelling associated with joint pains. This further helps to get relief from the joint pains effectively.

5. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can greatly relieve joint pains; physical therapy basically involves working with a physiotherapist who specializes in the movement of the joints and muscles of the human body. Thus a physiotherapist can help in getting relief from joint pains by ensuring proper movement of the joints and muscles.

6. Exercise: The lack of exercises and physical activity is one of the leading reasons of joint pains. Physical exercises like walking and stretching can improve the flexibility and strength of the joints and can thus help to prevent joint pains. When choosing exercises for joint pains, one must ensure to choose the exercises that allows movement of the joints within the limits of the pain and do not stimulate the pain beyond a specific level.

7. Yoga: Yoga asana can help to alleviate the joint pains to a great extent. The only pre-condition when practicing yoga is that the asana must be done in the right manner and in the right position else they will not prove to be beneficial in alleviating pain.

8. Immobilize the area: When the joint pain is unbearable, the affected area must be immobilized by a brace or a splint. This ensures that the affected area remains untouched and unmoved which further helps to relieve pain.

9. Rest: Rest is perhaps the best thing that must be done when one suffers from joint pains. Resting allows the body to restore its energy and also repair itself. Resting can alleviate the joint pains and even prevent them from occurring again.

10. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional practice of inserting needles in the affected area to get relief from the joint pains. Acupuncture can help the body to relax. It also increases the blood flow thus reducing inflammation of the joints that causes pain. Thus acupuncture can be used as an effective treatment for joint pains.

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