What helps against joint pain?: Causes, symptoms & treatment

Joint pain is an often underestimated and widespread suffering. A closer look is surprising, because millions of people of all ages are confronted with this every day.

Like that German Society for Rheumatology shows, in 2023 around 700,000 adults in Germany alone will actually be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. That's about 0.8 to 1.2 percent of the adult population, illustrating the extent of this health problem. Classically, the disease begins with joint pain in the fingers and toes and spreads over time.

The causes of joint pain can be varied, but there are promising approaches to relief. Massages are, unsurprisingly, a completely natural therapy option.

In this article we would like to give an overview of joint pain and osteoarthritis as the most common cause. We will also take a closer look at the consequences and take a closer look at how massage works in this context. 

Note: Please note that this article does not replace medical advice and that if you have any medical questions about complaints such as joint pain, you should always consult your doctor in order to find the best solution for your individual situation.

Reading tip: From head to toe: This is how massages help

What is meant by osteoarthritis and how does it relate to joint pain?

Joint pain, particularly in the hip area, can often be dismissed as general signs of wear and tear. But that is exactly what osteoarthritis describes, it is a widespread joint disease in which the “wear and tear” of the joints becomes noticeable through joint pain.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that covers the joints and normally acts as shock absorbers breaks down. This cartilage breakdown can lead to pain, stiffness and limited joint mobility and, as a consequence, joint pain.

Those affected often hear that only the use of a new joint can provide relief. However, health insurance companies are sounding the alarm and pointing out that in many cases surgery is carried out too often without examining the actual causes of the joint pain. 

However, upon closer inspection using an X-ray image, it quickly becomes clear that the normal joint space between the joint surfaces is reduced or, in the worst case, no longer exists. The bones of the joint meet and rub against each other, causing joint pain. But no one is condemned to live with this pain. Surgery should always be the last step.

Reading tip: Osteoarthritis and rheumatism are often confused with each other. You can read more about rheumatism pain in our article. 

What are the causes of joint pain and osteoarthritis and how do they manifest themselves?

The course of an illness with joint pain is often gradual. Typical signs can include painful twisting movements, pain when putting on shoes, swelling in the joint region, redness and difficulty walking. Joint pain due to cartilage wear usually occurs after the age of 50, but pain can also occur in younger patients before there is any talk of wear. 

The wear and tear is usually caused by incorrect mechanical loading. The causes can be excess weight, but also poor movement patterns due to underdeveloped muscles or pain. Tension or discomfort often causes us to move slightly differently than we would in a healthy state - this can also lead to osteoarthritis in the long term.

What helps against joint pain?

If there is osteoarthritis, there has usually been a deficient mechanical process for a long time. The first step, which must therefore not be left unmentioned, is “prevention”. Everyone can contribute to this themselves, the risk of joint disease and associated problems reduce joint pain.

Regular exercise promotes blood circulation and supplies tendons, cartilage and joints with important nutrients. A balanced diet that avoids alcohol, high-fat foods and excessive meat consumption can also reduce the risk of developing the disease. 

If you are already suffering from joint pain, these tips are still recommended, but they will not relieve the symptoms in the short term. They only promote the regeneration and rebuilding of the joints in the “worn out” areas. So what else can you do if you have joint pain?

An effective measure to eliminate misalignments caused by incorrect posture in everyday life is to build muscle. Tensions that promote asymmetrical loading should also be eliminated. And that’s where massage comes into play.

Massages as a possible form of therapy for joint pain

A massage aims to increase blood circulation in the affected area, reduce inflammation and relieve tension. It can therefore also help to relieve joint pain and increase the mobility of painful joints. Step by step, you as the affected person can approach a healthy movement routine that reduces the symptoms and can relieve joint pain. 

The massage also stimulates the release of endorphins. They essentially create the body's own painkiller, which can create a feeling of relaxation and well-being. The combination of physiological and psychological effects makes Massages to one Valuable form of therapy for joint pain and osteoarthritis, although it does not promise a cure. 

The positive effect of massages as an accompanying form of therapy for joint pain is still viewed critically today. Mainly due to a lack of extensive studies, which is why this question was recently discussed in a US study was examined in more detail. The Florida researchers conducted a comprehensive search for studies that systematically analyzed the impact of massage on pain and function of affected joints. The results of the analysis were promising: 

“Massage leads to a greater reduction in pain and an improvement in joint function compared to other, non-active forms of therapy.”

Massages not only have a positive effect on existing complaints, but also in the prevention of arthritis and arthrosis. 

Each of us can take precautions ourselves to minimize the risk of joint pain caused by joint diseases. Therefore, pay particular attention to the following factors in order to keep your joints healthy and flexible for a long time and to prevent joint pain:

• Ergonomic posture: If you sit a lot or work at the computer, you may experience joint pain. An ergonomic workplace design is therefore important. Take regular breaks for stretching exercises. A spontaneous massage is ideal for this and a massage chair is therefore ideal.
• Stress relief: Stress can have a negative impact on the joints, but also on your movements as a whole. Too much stress can also lead to joint pain. Find ways to relax, such as meditation and massage.
• Movement: Regular, gentle exercises maintain the mobility of your joints and strengthen the supporting muscles.
• Healthy eating: A balanced diet containing antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, nuts, berries and turmeric can also reduce the risk of joint pain caused by inflammation.

Joint pain - there is relief

Those affected often know it all too well. Joint pain and osteoarthritis can have a significant impact on your life. But there are ways to relieve joint pain and improve quality of life. 

Massages can be a natural and effective way to combat joint pain and find relief. All in all, massage is a gentle and natural method to relieve joint pain and improve mobility. It can definitely help to improve your quality of life, reduce joint pain and reduce the far too high number of sufferers in this country. 

Reading tip: Muscle pain after massages - what are the reasons and how can you avoid them?

Take your health into your own hands and talk to your doctor about massages as an alternative and accompanying form of therapy for joint pain.