How can I relieve joint pain?

There are special steps that can help reduce joint pain and ease painful hips, knees, shoulders, and spine. Here are 5 of them:

1. Eat to relieve joint pain. Food can't prevent or cure achy joints, but certain nutrients not only enhance muscle and bone strength, they also take a bite out of joint pain. Increase intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, ache-easing polyphenols, and vitamins C, K, and D.
2. Move to improve pain. Resist the urge to hit the couch when your joints hurt. Move through the pain instead. Why? Exercise triggers the production of lubricating synovial fluid and feel-good brain chemicals, and improves joint pain, function, and range of motion. It may even boost cartilage growth in the knees. Ask your doctor about exercises that help rather than hurt your joints.
3. Watch your weight. If you're overweight, ask your doctor for a safe weight-loss plan. Every excess pound you shed takes 4 pounds of pressure off your knees, and can take a load off painful hips and backs, too. Get a handle on emotional eating to lose weight with ease.
4. Work with your doctor. Ask your primary care physician if a specialist can help you with your joint pain. An orthopedic specialist and/or physical therapist may be better equipped to tailor an effective pain-treatment plan.
5. Listen to your body. Pace yourself and avoid activities that aggravate your joint pain, such as running marathons, lifting heavy objects, or kneeling all day to pull weeds.

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