Joint pain is a common occurrence that many people face across the globe. This pain can exist in the elbows, knees, shoulders, and other prominent joints on the body. The best supplements for joint pain will relieve any pain and prevent excessive pain in the future.
When considering supplements for joint pain, three stand out amongst the rest. The best way to compare the following joint pain supplements is by how to take them, how much, and the effects they’ll have on the body.
Athletic Insight Top 3 Products
- Vitamin D >>> Best Vitamin D Supplement
- Turmeric >>> Best Turmeric Supplement
- Fish Oil >>> Best Fish Oil Supplement
- Vitamin D
- Turmeric
- Fish Oil (Omega 3)
1. Vitamin D
The best supplement for joint pain is vitamin D. Vitamin D is proven to help those with a vitamin D deficiency and joint pain find relief. This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium, improving joint pain and preventing further damage. Vitamin D is one of the best supplements for knee pain for anyone 50 years and older.
People should take 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D for joint pain to see relief. You need to follow the directions on the bottle of the brand purchased since each is different. That said, those who don’t suffer from vitamin deficiency and joint pain should consider other joint pain supplements to prevent vitamin D toxicity. Side effects of taking this for joint pain include the following.
- Extreme aching bones and joints
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
Most people who consume normal vitamin D levels won’t experience these side effects, but they’re possible if you consume too much to alleviate your joint pain.
You can get vitamin D supplements at your local grocery store and pharmacy, but three brands to consider for joint pain are Mindbodygreen, Nature Made, and Puori. Vitamin D is an affordable joint pain supplement that costs no more than $25. It can cost more or less depending on the brand and the number of vitamins purchased.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric isn’t just a spice to add to your food. It’s one of the best joint support supplements because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which are critical to decreasing joint pain in your knees, hips, and more.
This supplement’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the inflammation in your joints which can alleviate the pain you’re experiencing. In addition, experiencing less joint pain can increase a person’s mobility. The benefits of turmeric are outstanding and go further than joint pain relief pills, but the side effects of taking it for joint pain are as follows.
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Rashes
You can add turmeric to your smoothies or food to increase your consumption, but it’s best to purchase capsules for joint pain in the morning. It’s recommended to take between 400 and 600 mg three times a day to see joint pain relief.
You can add it to tea, but most people prefer the capsules to avoid the distinctive taste. Adding honey to tea or other sweeteners can help cut the bitter taste of turmeric.
Turmeric is affordable when you purchase it from the spice aisle in the grocery store. However, you can see a price increase when buying capsules from supplement brands. It costs anywhere from $12 to $50.
3. Fish Oil
Another one of the best joint health supplements is fish oil. This affordable and easily accessible supplement can alleviate the symptoms of joint problems by reducing pain, stiffness, and lack of mobility.
Fish oil is composed of omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties crucial for reducing joint discomfort.
Those looking at taking fish oil supplements for joint pain should consider taking one to three grams per day. While it might not alleviate all the joint pain, it can decrease the intensity of joint pain. How many mg or grams are in each capsule determines how many daily pills to take. When taking fish oil, potential side effects are as follows.
- Nosebleeds
- Loose stool
- Heartburn
To prevent these adverse side effects, taking them without food is helpful. It’s best to take them at least 30 minutes before a meal, but they can be taken with food if necessary. People with arthritis and other joint pain can see natural relief when taken as directed.
You can purchase fish oil online or at local stores. Some brands that offer fish oil supplements for joint pain are Nature Made, New Chapter, and Viva Naturals. People interested in fish oil for joint pain can purchase the supplement for as little as $10 and as much as $50.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is the best over-the-counter joint medication. Incorporating green tea into your routine when experiencing joint pain isn’t tricky as it is a popular drink you can buy at most coffee shops or grocery stores.
Green tea helps prevent your body from producing specific molecules contributing to joint swelling and pain. Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can also protect joint cartilage.
How much people should or shouldn’t take for joint pain varies. The most you drink or consume, the more pain relief you should experience. Some studies suggest between 90 to 300 mg daily, but each body reacts differently to different supplements.
You can consume this by drinking a few cups per day. However, there are side effects to be aware of when taking green tea for joint pain.
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
Since green tea contains caffeine, potential side effects people might experience when taking enough for joint pain directly correlate to the caffeine content. Therefore, another joint pain supplement is better if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Three brands to purchase green tea supplements from are Gaia Herbs, Life Extension, and Tazo. Some come in capsules and others in tea bag form. Prices for tea bags are cheaper than capsules, and they can cost between $10 to $100.
5. Glucosamine
Glucosamine is known for its joint relief properties. It’s the most beneficial for mild to moderate joint pain. It’s beneficial in helping those with osteoarthritis in the knee but can be helpful for shoulder, hip, and other joint pain.
As the best supplement for knee cartilage, glucosamine is safe to take daily. To see relief in the joints, taking 300 to 500 mg three times every day is vital. Individuals shouldn’t take more than 1,500 mg per day for joint relief. While taken appropriately shouldn’t cause issues. When taken in excess, the side effects of glucosamine are as follows.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Not everyone will experience these side effects, but they’re good to be aware of. Ensuring that glucosamine is taken with meals is an excellent way to prevent adverse side effects. In addition, staying hydrated is essential if you experience diarrhea when taking this joint pain supplement.
Glucosamine comes in capsules and powder forms that you can mix with water or another liquid. Capsules are an easy way to ensure you’re not under or over-consuming the supplement. Three brands to choose from are Nature’s Bounty, Nutrition Smart, and Schiff. Prices vary but generally, the supplement costs not more than $30.
6. SAMe
SAMe is a natural compound found in the human body. It has natural antidepressant properties, but more importantly, it helps with cartilage production and acts like a natural painkiller.
Its pain relief properties and cartilage production make it one of the best supplements for joint pain that people with generalized joint pain or osteoarthritis can take.
Currently, there’s no official dosage rate than those taking SAMe should be taking. However, some professionals recommend taking 400 to 600 mg three times daily. When taken in three doses throughout the day, it should provide relief to someone’s joints. Side effects to be aware of before taking SAMe include the following.
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Not everyone will experience these side effects, but those with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and a weakened immune system are at a higher risk for adverse side effects. It’s best to consult your doctor before starting on this supplement to ensure you’re not putting yourself and your health at risk.
Three of the best brands to purchase SAMe from are Nature Made, Lucky Vitamin, and iHerb. The cost of implementing this supplement into your routine is minimal. Most SAMe products cost between $20 and $50. You can find certain brands outside of this price range, though.
7. Boswellia
Boswellia is another excellent joint support supplement because it’s a natural product. This herb comes from the Boswellia plant, and its active ingredient is boswellic acid, which is the key ingredient for relieving joint pain. Studies in India have concluded that it can reduce knee and other joint pain in as little as seven days when taken appropriately.
Those who want to take Boswellia for joint pain should consume 300 to 400 mg of the herb thrice daily. The dosage is based on supplements containing at least 60% boswellic acid because it will give you the best pain relief results.
Taking this supplement for more than six months consecutively is not recommended. The potential side effects of Boswellia are as follows.
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Itchy skin
For the best results, taking Boswellia after a meal can improve joint pain and other health conditions like regulating blood sugar, which will also help prevent nausea from taking it on an empty stomach.
When you’re shopping for Boswellia, three brands to look at are Nature’s Way, Thorne Research, and Medi Herb. Nature’s Way is one of the cheapest options, but when purchasing other brands, the price for Boswellia can reach well over $50.
8. Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a joint pain supplement that’s most often associated with glucosamine. When someone takes chondroitin, it helps relieve joint pain, and it helps slow down cartilage in the joints from deteriorating. While it can’t replace deteriorated cartilage, it can prevent further damage and the pain that comes with it.
To see any pain relief from chondroitin, experts recommend that individuals take between 800 to 1,200 mg daily. It’s best to break the total milligrams recommended between two to three doses throughout the day to limit any side effects you could experience. While side effects are rare with chondroitin, it’s possible to experience any of the following.
- Hair loss
- Stomach pain
- Puffy eyelids
These side effects don’t always happen and mainly occur when people take too much of the supplement. The best way to avoid stomach pain with chondroitin is to take it with a meal or before your meal has fully digested.
Most chondroitin supplements also contain glucosamine. There are plenty of brands to choose from, but three popular ones are Life Extension, Nature’s Bounty, and Live Conscious. The average price for chondroitin is $25.
9. Methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane, also known as MSM, is one of the best supplements for joint health and can support moderate pain. MSM has natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties that assist with joint pain throughout the body. However, users don’t feel immediate relief from MSM, and it takes a few weeks to start feeling less joint pain.
When taking MSM for joint pain, it’s recommended to take 1,500 mg daily. Unlike some supplements you can continue taking daily for years, you should only take MSM for three consecutive months. You can take 1,500 mg at once or break it down throughout the day.
Those taking MSM need to be aware of the potential side effects.
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
Many MSM supplements aren’t marketed with this name. Sometimes you’ll find joint pain supplements with MSM as the main ingredient, but you can find some supplements called MSM capsules.
When you’re ready to start taking MSM for joint relief, Natural Balance, Doctor’s Best, and Pure Original Ingredients are three brands to look for. The cost varies, but you can expect to pay between $20 and $50.
10. Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables
Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) are a known joint pain supplement that’s best for those suffering from knee pain. It can help with other joint pain, but studies show its elements are best for this joint. With anti-inflammatory properties, individuals taking ASUs for joint pain might feel relief in a few days.
When taking ASUs for joint pain, taking as little as 300 mg per day will reduce joint pain and swelling when taken for several months at a time. You can take ASUs every day for three years, and it’s deemed safe, but anything after that is still unknown.
The side effects one might have when taking ASUs are as follows.
- Liver damage
- Constipation
- Headaches
This joint health supplement is ideal for osteoarthritis but can support other joint pain that comes from no underlying illness. Unfortunately, this isn’t a common supplement most people take, so finding brands that sell it can be challenging.
Three great brands that sell avocado-soybean unsaponifiables are N’More, BioOriginal, and Simply Organic. Prices for ASUs vary as with any other joint supplement, but you can get them as low as $30.
11. Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw has been around since the 1900s and is widely popular in Europe to help treat a variety of symptoms. The herb’s properties help with inflammation, a leading symptom of joint pain. Its pain-relieving properties can reduce the pain from arthritis and other joint conditions and generalized pain in the body.
Taking devil’s claw every day for eight to 12 weeks can help alleviate joint pain and improve joint mobility and function. When there’s less pain, it’s easier to perform everyday activities.
Depending on each person and the brand purchased, you can take between 100 and 2,400 mg daily of devil’s claw, depending on each person and the brand purchased. Some side effects of devil’s claw include the following.
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
Healthy adults, besides joint pain, shouldn’t have any issue taking devil’s claw. However, people with heart conditions and diabetes and those who are breastfeeding or pregnant may be at a higher risk for adverse effects from the joint health supplement.
Even if you’ve never heard of this supplement, you can get it online and in almost every grocery store with a vitamin aisle. Three top brands for this supplement are Carlyle, Nature’s Way, and NOW Foods. Prices are affordable and rarely exceed $20.
What Are Joint Pain Supplements?
Joint pain supplements are vitamins one can take to alleviate joint pain in the body. They’re not a medication like Tylenol or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Joint supplements will have a natural anti-inflammatory effect on the body’s joints.
What Are the Joint Pain Supplement Prescriptions?
Joint pain remedies don’t require a prescription. Most joint pain supplement prescriptions are few and far between, and most joint recovery prescriptions come after surgery for joint pain and not before.
Prescriptions for the best joint supplements come directly from a doctor and are typically only given to those with arthritis or other joint conditions.
What Are the Effects of Joint Pain Supplements?
When taking supplements for joint pain, there are several positive effects. Those taking joint pain supplements should experience pain relief, which can help prevent further joint damage.
How To Choose the Best Supplement for Joint Pain?
If you are wondering how to choose the best supplement for joint pain, it can quite be tedious. First, you’ll need to look at the effectiveness of the supplements. Will they work for your specified joint? Do they target all joints?
Then, you need to consider how you want to consume the supplement. Some come in powder forms, capsules, tablets, and beverages.
Another thing to consider is how often you need to take the supplement. If one requires you to take it several times a day, but you know you won’t keep up with that, then considering a joint pain supplement that you can take once a day might be the better choice.
Are Joint Pain Supplements Effective?
Yes, joint pain supplements can be effective. Most people find relief when taking joint pain supplements. How effective they will be will depend on the individual and their specific joint health.
Is It Healthy To Take Joint Pain Supplements?
Yes, it is healthy to take joint supplements as long as you take them according to the packaging instructions. If you have underlying health conditions, it’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure you don’t see adverse side effects.
Is It Necessary To Consult a Doctor Before Taking Joint Pain Pills?
Yes, always consult with a doctor before taking joint pain pills. While there’s no law stating you need to consult your physician before starting joint pain pills or supplements, it’s always a good idea to ensure they won’t cause further problems for your health.
Some supplements, while natural, can cause certain underlying conditions like liver disease and mental health issues to worsen.
Does Taking Supplements for Joint Pain Improve the Joints Health?
No, joint pain supplements can’t improve your joint health but can prevent further damage. Since joint pain comes from joint damage, they won’t be able to repair what’s already damaged, but it can provide relief.
What Are the Prices of Joint Pain Supplements?
Prices for joint pain supplements will vary depending on the brand and where you purchase them. You can get them for as low as $19 and as high as $100.
Are Joint Pain Supplements Effective for Knee Pain?
Yes, joint pain supplements may be effective for some people with knee pain, but their effectiveness can vary depending on the cause and severity of the knee pain. It is recommended to find specific knee pain supplements if you are experiencing knee pain and you should also consult with a healthcare provider.
