Turmeric is one of the most widely used supplements for treating pain, including joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Its pain-relieving effects are attributed to a chemical compound in turmeric called curcumin. Studies have shown that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, and an analysis of the studies found that it improves joint pain symptoms more than a placebo and may be comparable to ibuprofen. Glucosamine is another supplement that can help reduce the symptoms of inside knee pain.
This amino sugar is naturally found in joint cartilage and taking it as a supplement can help delay cartilage loss, as well as ease stiffness, swelling, and pain. It is available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid, or powder. Your doctor may recommend that you take glucosamine in combination with another supplement, chondroitin. Chondroitin is a natural chemical found in cartilage and taking 1000 to 3000 mg or more of it every day can help with symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, such as pain and swelling.
Exercise and training are not the only ways to strengthen your knees. Eating a nutritious diet can also help strengthen muscles and joints and prevent swelling and pain. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseed, can help reduce inflammation and swelling, which reduces joint pain. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help relieve pain and treat conditions that cause knee pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), can also help relieve knee pain. Additionally, a study predicted that adults over 50 years of age with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop hip and knee joint pain. About 53 percent of people who take chondroitin have a 20 percent or more improvement in knee pain.
