Joint swelling can be a result of an injury or a medical condition such as arthritis. It can be an uncomfortable and often painful experience. If left untreated, it may lead to further complications in your joints.

Here, we have compiled some tips and tricks on how to relieve joint inflammation and swelling.

Discovering the underlying cause

Before prescribing any treatment, it is important to discover the root cause of the problem. The first thing you should do is visit a doctor, preferably a rheumatologist.

A rheumatologist will check for any underlying disease causing the swelling such as arthritis, lupus, or gout. Your doctor may take an X-ray or an MRI to determine the extent of inflammation in your joint.

The role of exercise

Exercise plays a vital role in maintaining joint health. It helps to keep your muscles strong and your joints flexible. If you are experiencing joint inflammation, low-impact exercises can relieve discomfort and improve your overall mobility.

Examples of low-impact exercises are swimming, yoga, Pilates, and cycling.

Use of heat and cold therapy

Cold therapy decreases inflammation, while heat therapy helps with stiffness. Applying an ice pack to the affected joint for up to 15 minutes can reduce swelling.

On the other hand, using a heating pad or hot towel for up to 20 minutes can provide relief from stiffness. It is worth noting that heat therapy is not recommended for conditions such as arthritis, where there is already inflammation.

Consider a change in diet

Certain foods can cause inflammation in our bodies, leading to swelling in the joints. Foods high in sugar and saturated fats should be avoided.

Instead, focus on consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, flaxseed, and chia seeds, and antioxidants such as berries, green leafy vegetables, and turmeric.

Prescribed medication

If the inflammation is severe, or if it has been caused by a medical condition, prescription medication may be the best option. Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve inflammation and pain.

In cases where joint swelling is caused by arthritis, biological medications such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF inhibitors) may be prescribed.

Topical creams and ointments

Topical creams and ointments are a quick and easy way to relieve joint pain and swelling. Some creams contain capsaicin, which is a natural pain reliever derived from chili peppers.

Others contain menthol, which has a cooling effect that provides relief from muscle and joint pain. You can also use creams and ointments containing lidocaine, which is a numbing agent that blocks the pain signals from reaching your brain.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy can help improve joint mobility and flexibility while reducing inflammation and swelling. A qualified massage therapist can apply gentle pressure to your affected joint, improving blood flow and drainage.

This can help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting tiny needles into the skin to stimulate specific points in the body.

It has been shown to be effective in treating pain and inflammation related to a variety of health conditions, including arthritis. It is thought to work by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

Weight management

Excess weight puts extra pressure on your joints, which can cause swelling and inflammation. Losing weight can decrease the load on your joints, which may help you manage joint inflammation.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management may all help reduce inflammation in your joints.

Care and rest for the affected joint

It is essential to take good care of the affected joint when experiencing inflammation. Rest, immobilization, and compression can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Elevating the affected joint can also help reduce swelling.

These measures can be combined with other remedies such as heat therapy, massage therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Conclusion

Joint swelling can be caused by many factors, but there are several ways to treat it.

Consult with a doctor to determine the root cause of your joint inflammation, maintain a healthy weight, focus on exercise and a healthy diet, and consider medication when necessary. Additionally, remedies such as heat and cold therapy, topical creams and ointments, massage therapy, and acupuncture are all non-invasive and can help to provide relief.