Many people assume that as they grow older, joint pain will become simply another fact of life that they will have to deal with on a daily basis. While many elderly adults do experience joint pain, it is not inevitable, and certainly not untreatable.

Joint pain can be a result of many different conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, sprains or other injuries. Often, pain in your joints is a result of the erosion, inflammation, or inadequate lubrication of the cartilage between your bones. This might sound bad, but there’s no reason to think that sore joints mean you can’t lead an active, pain-free life. Here are some tips for managing and preventing your joint pain in a natural, holistic way:

• Exercise. It might sound strange that the thing you probably feel least like doing when your joints are bothering you is actually one of the best ways to relieve joint pain. There are several reasons why this works.

   Working out triggers a number of beneficial reactions in your body—it produces synovial fluid, which helps lubricate the joints, as well as endorphins, a chemical in your brain that makes your body feel happier. Exercising your joints can also improve their function and range of motion, and lead to an overall decrease of pain. Just be conscious when you’re exercising. Never work out to the point where you’re in more pain than when you started. Exercising frequently, but for short periods of time is the best way to strengthen your joints.

• Watch your weight. Studies have shown that losing just one pound will relieve four pounds of pressure from your joints. The less strain they are under, the less they are likely to give you trouble. Exercising is one great way to keep your weight under control, as is a healthy nutritious diet.
• Change up the temperature. Using a hot or cold pack on a sore area can be one of the most effective ways for immediate relief if your joints are feeling particularly painful. A cold compress can reduce swelling and numb deep pain, while heat stimulates blood flow, reduces muscle spasms, and alters the sensation of pain.
• Sleep! Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for any healthy lifestyle, and it’s particularly important if you want to ease your aching joints. To get the most out of your rest, and to avoid feeling sore the next day, you can use therapeutic bed pillows to aid in your body’s nighttime rejuvenation. Bed wedges are good for elevating your back, neck and torso, or a sore limb. This prevents painful friction between the bones, and helps properly align your body.

Sore joints might feel like one of the inescapable hallmarks of aging, but don’t forget that it’s completely treatable, and sometimes even preventable. You can fight back and you can feel better!