Joint health

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are types of minor injuries to the soft tissues and connective tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Sprains usually refer to injuries to ligaments, but sometimes to other connective tissues, such as tendons and the capsules surrounding joints. Strains usually refer to injuries to muscles or to the areas where muscles become tendons. Treatment of minor joint problems including sprains and strains involves resting the affected area, applying cold packs or ice, wrapping the area with a compression bandage and keeping the affected area elevated as much as possible. Make sure that no fracture lurks underneath your sprain, as this will need bone setting.

A healthy diet

Adequate amounts of calories and protein are required for the body to repair damaged connective tissue and treat joint problems for greater joint health. While major injuries requiring hospitalization raise protein and calorie requirements significantly, minor sprains and strains do not require changes from a typical diet. Your diet for joint health should follow a standard healthy balance. Make sure others around you can help provide food as your mobility will be effected.

Comfrey and horse chestnut

Herbs and other natural remedies can act as joint health medication and soothe a joint problem. Horse chestnut contains a compound called aescin that acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduce swelling following trauma, particularly sports injuries, surgery, and head injury. A topical gel might be a good way of getting horse chestnut to the area in need. Comfrey is also widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds and medicate for joint health. Topical application of comfrey ointment every day seem to be at least as effective as, and possibly more effective than, a topically applied anti-inflammatory drug.

Move that joint

Spinal manipulation is used by chiropractors and some osteopathic doctors to relieve pain and improve healing of sprains and strains. At the end of the treatments, you can bet you will feel considerable benefit and nearly half reported significant benefit or even complete recovery. However, be warned: people with the most severe symptoms derived little benefit. Treatment of joint problems should balance traditional and alternative medication for the highest rates of joint health.