(NaturalHealth365) Joint pain, particularly knee pain and hip pain, has become a prevalent complaint, with millions of Americans suffering from arthritis today. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 54 million adults suffer from some form of arthritis.

For those with severe joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, cortisone injections are often used to treat the pain. These injections are commonly used by athletes to mask knee pain or hip pain, as well. However, a new study indicates that this method of treatment could trigger the need for joint replacements.

Big warning about cortisone injections for knee pain

Conducted by the Boston University School of Medicine, cortisone injections were found to speed up joint disintegration, in some cases.  Researchers discovered that 4% of patients give cortisone injections for knee pain dealt with complications, as well as 10% of patients who received the jabs in their hips. Some of those complications included progressive osteoarthritis, stress fractures, or the complete collapse of joints.

Editor’s note: Being in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years, I can tell you – from personal experience – that over 90% of orthopedic issues can be resolved without the need for toxic drugs or surgery.  If you want to learn more about this topic – let me know by posting a comment below.

For years, doctors have told patients that cortisone injections wouldn’t hurt them, even if they didn’t relieve hip or joint pain. However, this new study shows that this may not be the case, and cortisone injections have the potential to result in serious complications that may lead to the need for joint replacement.

Alternative and proven options for natural joint pain relief

With the danger of serious joint complications like joint disintegration, the risk may outweigh the reward for many people dealing with hip or knee pain. However, cortisone injections aren’t the only option for people suffering from joint pain.

Several alternative treatment options offer proven, natural pain relief to those who have arthritis, including:

• Curcumin: A substance within turmeric, curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Studies show that it helps to reduce both joint destruction and inflammation. In one study, a combination of turmeric and Boswellia offered more pain relief than Celebrex, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat osteoarthritis.

• Massage Therapy: According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, massage done by a professional massage therapist can help improve tendon and muscle flexibility, increase joint range of motion, and relieve pain.

• Yoga: Yoga and other forms of stretching can prove to be effective at relieving joint pain, as well.  A systematic review of eleven studies found that yoga was useful in reducing symptoms of arthritis, such as swollen joints, tender joints, and pain. It also reduced disability while improving mental health and self-efficacy in those studied.

• Other Supplements: Beyond curcumin, a variety of additional supplements show promise for relieving joint pain. Glucosamine, chondroitin, Boswellia, fish oil, and devil’s claw all have been shown to help ease the pain associated with different types of arthritis.

Bottom line: With a little effort, there are many things that you can do to increase circulation, improve flexibility and reduce the risk of joint problems – naturally.  If you’re uncomfortable with doing this yourself, find a qualified health coach to help guide you toward success.

Sources for this article include:

CDC.gov
Telegraph.co.uk
Drmicozzi.com
NIH.gov
NaturalHealth365.com
Healthline.com
NIH.gov
Healthline.com