It’s very common to start to feel some joint pain as we get older, especially if we’ve pushed our bodies enjoying all the wonders that life has to offer. So, if you are experiencing joint pain, you’re not alone. While medication is there to relieve your joint pain, there are lots of lifestyle solutions that you could try to help manage mild discomfort before turning to regular painkillers. What’s more, by caring for your body in a more holistic way, you can manage joint pain and improve your overall health. Here are five suggestions to try.
- Move more, sit less
Have you heard the saying ‘use it or lose it’? It turns out, our bodies thrive when we keep moving. Regular exercise helps strengthen our muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury and alleviating pain. But you don’t have to run a marathon—small increments of movement throughout the day make a difference. Even taking a walk around your garden or pacing while catching up with a friend on the phone can make a difference. - Stretch and strengthen
Stretching and strengthening the muscles that support our joints is an important element of managing joint pain. Activities such as yoga or Pilates not only improve flexibility but also help to build strength. Start with gentle stretches and exercises, gradually increasing in intensity and duration to prevent injury. These practices might have the added benefit of bringing a sense of calm to your day. - Watch your weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for joint health. When we carry excess weight, our joints endure more strain, leading to increased pain. Eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. A nutritious diet also helps reduce inflammation that could be contributing to your joint pain. - Soothe with heat
Heat can be a fantastic way to soothe joint pain. In its simplest form, using heat to soothe your body can look like taking a relaxing warm bath or enjoying a gentle flow of warm water in the shower. If you need a little more, you can also use a heating pad or warm compress to provide targeted relief to your achy joints. With heat, moderation is key—too much can cause further damage and increase inflammation. So, find what feels just right for you and ask your doctor if you’re not sure how to use heat to soothe your joint pain. - Try natural supplements
Nature has a way of offering us remedies, and natural supplements can be a good addition to your joint pain management routine. While the scientific studies are largely inconclusive, some people have reported that glucosamine has helped to reduce their joint pain, while omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric possess anti-inflammatory properties. Before you embark on a new supplement regimen, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor.
There are plenty of lifestyle tweaks you can try to manage the mild joint pain that comes with a life well lived. If you try some of the tips we’ve suggested you might find that you’re not just managing pain or discomfort, you’re boosting your overall health and wellbeing too.
A note from The Joy Club: This article was provided by Mr. Nurul Ahad and the Practice Plus Group. We know that health and wellbeing is extremely important to our members and that you would like to see more health-focused content within The Joy Club community. That’s why we are very excited to partner with Practice Plus Group – an outstanding healthcare provider – to bring you high-quality, expert-led health content.
What’s more, Practice Plus Group is offering members of The Joy Club a specially discounted consultation, giving you the opportunity to explore a health condition with one of Practice Plus Group’s experienced consultants, should you so wish.
An initial appointment with Practice Plus Group normally costs £95, but members of The Joy Club can benefit from a first-class consultation – including blood tests, swabs and x-rays (as required) – for a flat fee of just £50, saving £45.
Read on to find out more about how the consultation works, what conditions Practice Plus Group can help you with, how to make your booking and more.
What does the consultation involve?
The Practice Plus Group consultation includes your initial consultation with a surgeon, a pre-operative nurse assessment (if needed) and any required blood tests, swabs and x-rays.
How much does the consultation cost?
A consultation with Practice Plus Group normally costs £95, but thanks to our special discount, members of The Joy Club pay just £50, saving £45. There is no additional cost for any blood tests, swabs or x-rays conducted as part of the consultation. The only additional costs you may incur are those for diagnostic imaging (other than x-ray), if required. Otherwise, everything is included in the flat fee of £50.
Are consultations held online or in person?
All consultations take place face-to-face.
How much time should I allow for the consultation?
The initial consultation with the surgeon should take between 20-30 minutes. Should you require any blood tests, x-rays or a pre-operative nurse assessment, you should allow up to 3-hours to cover everything in one visit.
Would there be any follow-up consultations and, if so, how many would there be and how much would they cost?
Should you wish to proceed with a surgical treatment with Practice Plus Group, follow-up consultations may be required. At this point, you will be given a quote for the full price of your treatment. Practice Plus Group’s treatment price includes any follow-up consultation costs, the surgery itself, anaesthetic, any overnight stays (if clinically appropriate), suitable follow ups, medication, equipment and physiotherapy, as required. There are no hidden extras – the price you are quoted for your treatment is the price you pay.
What health conditions can I explore with a Practice Plus Group consultant?
Practice Plus Group specialises in treatment of hip, knee and eye conditions, but offers a comprehensive range of affordable private medical treatments covering a wide variety of conditions. You can explore the full range of treatments that they offer here.
Can I request an expert in a particular field?
If you have a particular consultant you would like to see, please let Practice Plus Group know when making your enquiry and they will try their best to accommodate.
How do I book my specially discounted consultation?
To book your consultation, simply call Practice Plus Group on 03301 620 730, email them on PrivatePatient@practiceplusgroup.com or submit an enquiry via the online form on the Practice Plus Group website to receive a call back. Make sure to quote code JOY45, when prompted, in order to redeem your special discount.
Practice Plus Group is one of England’s largest independent providers of private, insured and NHS healthcare. They are passionate about what they do and believe that anyone should be able to access excellent care.
Practice Plus Group is committed to providing positive experiences and excellent clinical outcomes. The Care Quality Commission, an independent regulator of health and social care in England, rated all of Practice Plus Group’s hospitals as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’, meaning you can feel assured that their services are safe, reliable and personalised.