Overview
The pain and inflammation associated with arthritis can be mild, however, it can also be debilitating. The disease develops when pain stems directly from the joint itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, pain may also arise from other areas, such as the cartilage or tendons.
These issues can occur in any part of the body like the back, shoulders, knees, hands, wrists, and feet. People suffering from joint pain may have difficulty with movement and flexibility. It can have a significant impact on daily life, preventing sufferers from carrying out their necessary tasks.
One solution to this problem is to live a healthy lifestyle, which can help to lessen arthritis symptoms. Also, an organic supplement may alleviate pain and inflammation. Some of these products are very effective at reducing the symptoms of joint suffering.
What do joint supplements do?
Most of these supplements are rich in anti-inflammatory agents, which reduce pain and swelling in the joint area. They often have an abundance of antioxidants, which also reduce symptoms. Besides, they boost the immune system and help repair damage to the joints by lessening oxidative stress (1).
Many of these products include ingredients that draw large amounts of hydration, which makes the area in between the joints more liquid. This mechanism helps to improve flexibility and mobility (2). Also, there are substances included which slow cartilage deterioration.
Choosing a Joint Pain Supplement
There are several joint supplements on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. It’s important to carefully inspect the ingredients, and do some independent research on each one.
You must check carefully to make sure you aren’t allergic to any of the substances. Also, look up the health warnings to be sure that the product is suitable for you. Before you begin taking any new product, go to your doctor and get medical approval.
WHY IS FLEXOPLEX THE #1 CHOICE OF JOINT SUPPLEMENT? READ HERE!
Key Ingredients for Joint Supplements
Some of the most common primary active ingredients in joint supplements are as follows:
- Glucosamine – This is a substance that exists naturally in the cartilage. The glucosamine in joint supplements is usually derived from shellfish. There’s evidence to suggest that it helps the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis, and it can also lessen cartilage deterioration (3).
- Chondroitin – This is also a natural part of the cartilage and is often used alongside glucosamine. It may reduce pain and inflammation, prevent cartilage breakdown, and help to repair the damage. A study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases concluded that Chondroitin is effective in treating the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
- Hyaluronic Acid – This is a part of the synovial fluid. It draws a lot of hydration, making the space between the joints more liquid. Intense hydration improves joint flexibility and mobility. A review in the Nutrition Journal concluded that oral hyaluronic acid relieves knee pain.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – This substance is made of organic sulfur called dimethyl sulfoxide. It’s an antioxidant that could lessen oxidative stress in the body and strengthen immunity. There’s evidence that it could diminish joint pain and inflammation (4).
- Boswellia Serrata – This is a tree that grows in the mountain regions of India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. It has numerous medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. A review in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences looked at the potency of this plant as an anti-inflammatory and cited studies where it effectively alleviated joint pain.
- Turmeric – This is a plant in the ginger family often used as a spice in cooking. It contains curcuminoids like curcumin, which are polyphenols. Curcuminoids have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There’s evidence to suggest that turmeric is an effective treatment for the symptoms of arthritis (5).
The 5 Best Joint Pain Supplements
We surveyed all of the joint supplements on the market today and came up with our favorites. These are the top 5 products available:
1. Flexoplex
Flexoplex’s proprietary formula consists of 9 organic ingredients that promise to lessen joint pain and inflammation, giving you back your flexibility and mobility. It is a potent supplement that may repair damage to your joints and prevent further breakdown.
Ingredients: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Bromelain, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, Rutin, Cat’s Claw Bark Powder, Trypsin, Boswellia Serrata Read our full review
2. Arthrozene
This formula is a 3-step solution, which has numerous benefits for people with arthritis. It may lessen pain, swelling, and stiffness, slow down cartilage breakdown, increase lubrication, and enhance flexibility and mobility. It only takes five days to start working.
Ingredients: Collagen, Boswellia Serrata, Hyaluronic Acid Read our full review
3. Relief Factor
Relief Factor is a supplement made of botanical and fish oils exclusively, and it promises to regulate essential enzymes and proteins in the body. It may alleviate pain and inflammation in both the joints and the muscles and lessen discomfort. It may make your everyday life much better.
Ingredients: Turmeric, Epimedium, Japanese Fleeceflower Root Read our full review
4. Omega XL
It is an omega-3 based supplement that uses a mix of 30 fatty acids derived from the waters of New Zealand. The product promises to decrease symptoms like pain and inflammation and promote joint health and mobility. Omega-3s also support the immune system.
Ingredients: 30 Omega-3 Fatty Acids Read our full review
5. Heal n Soothe
This supplement is rich in enzymes plus 12 potent organic extracts. It uses systemic enzyme therapy, meaning the enzymes travel all over your body and support a healthy inflammatory response. It helps to reduce pain and swelling and support flexibility and mobility.
Ingredients: Yucca Root, Boswellia, Rutin, Turmeric, Devil’s Claw Root, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Citrus Bioflavonoids Complex Read our full review
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many joint supplements work extremely well. If you consider taking any joint supplement, do check the label to make sure that some of the key ingredients we've highlighted are included. Note that these substances have research backing up their efficacy.
These components are both useful in treating joint problems. As everyone is different, it could be that one is better for you in particular. If you’re unsure, buy a product that contains both ingredients.
Additionally, some contain ingredients that are not trusted by doctors.
Some foods can make inflammation more severe, worsening the pain and swelling in problem areas. These include processed foods, refined carbohydrates, fried foods, red meat, and high fat dairy (6). Instead, choose immune-boosting foods which support your overall health.
Most doctors use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating the symptoms of arthritis. They may also prescribe counterirritants, corticosteroids, biologic response modifiers, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or painkillers such as opioids (7).
Yes, the cold and damp weather could worsen arthritis pain and inflammation. Many people with arthritis can predict the weather based on how their joints feel (8).
Several vitamins aid in the treatment of arthritis. The antioxidant vitamins C, E, and A may lessen the symptoms and help repair damage. Besides, Vitamins K and D support the strength of your bones. Vitamin K is also associated with developing cartilage structure (9).
Who Should Buy a Joint Supplement?
Joint supplements are suitable for individuals who suffer from joint or cartilage pain and inflammation, stiffening, and problems with flexibility and mobility. They are best for people who want treatment but refuse to take prescription medication.
Arthritis Advice
There are some lifestyle choices you can make to help ease your arthritis symptoms. These include (10, 11):
- Exercise – Low impact exercise can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, which can lessen stiffness and improve mobility.
- Manage Your Weight – Extra weight can put pressure on your joints and connective tissue. Also, try to stay at an average weight to avoid this tension. Practice a healthy lifestyle.
- Stop Smoking – Smoking can increase arthritis pain by putting stress on your connective tissue. Moreover, try your best to stop if you are a smoker with arthritis.
- Practice Good Posture – Proper posture can lessen some of the joint pain you feel. Your doctor or physiotherapist can instruct you in the right way to sit and stand.
- Eat a Healthy Diet – A nutrient-rich diet can help with arthritis symptoms. In particular, eat foods with anti-inflammatory properties as well as immune-boosting foods.
Bottom Line
In short, the pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis can cause considerable difficulty for those suffering from the disease. Treatment is required to improve the quality of life. Some people prefer to go to a doctor to get prescription medication, while many opt for a more natural solution.
Also, there are several organic joint supplements on the market which are rich in ingredients that reduce pain and inflammation and improve flexibility and mobility. If this is your preference, research the supplements carefully to make sure you find one which is suitable for you.
Before you take any new supplement, you must go to your doctor to discuss it. Make sure you get medical approval before you begin your new regimen.