Improving Joint Health with the Beneficial Properties of Turmeric

Can individuals dealing with joint pain incorporate turmeric as part of their treatment to reduce inflammation and restore joint health?

Introduction

Many people realize that when the body ages, so do the bones, joints, and spinal discs. This can cause musculoskeletal issues and lead to joint pain. Many environmental factors, like improper posture, injuries, accidents, and heavy-loaded objects, can cause pain-like issues that affect an individual’s health and well-being. This is because joint pain is associated with these environmental factors, which can cause pain and inflammation that affect well-being. Additionally, many people try to reduce the inflammatory effects of joint pain, and one option is found in their kitchen pantry: turmeric. Today’s article focuses on the connection between joints and inflammation, what turmeric is, and its benefits for the joints. We speak with certified medical providers who explain how adding turmeric to their daily routine can reduce inflammation in the joints. While answering associated medical providers’ questions, we advise patients to incorporate turmeric into their meals and find therapeutic ways to reduce joint pain in their upper and lower extremities. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

Joint Pain & Inflammation Connection

Do you feel localized or referred pain in your joints that causes you to rest for an extended period? Do general morning aches and pains get better throughout the day? Or do you notice that you are losing your grip occasionally? Many of these scenarios are correlated with joint pain. The joints are part of the musculoskeletal system, and their primary job is to provide movement to the upper and lower extremities without pain. However, when the human body ages, the joints also gradually age. When joints start to lose cartilage, environmental factors can cause pain-like symptoms, such as inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness. Additionally, it can also lead to joint disorders in the body. While inflammation helps heal the affected area, it supports the natural healing process; however, when inflammation is chronic, it can do more harm than good.

This is because the immune cells are involved in neuroimmune interplay, which plays a key role in generating and maintaining pain in diseases with an inflammatory component. (Vasconcelos et al., 2022) Additionally, when environmental factors affect the joints, inflammation can cause peripheral nerve damage, which can lead to structural damage to the joints, altered gait, and abnormal loading patterns during movement. (McDougall & Reid, 2022) When individuals experience inflammatory effects that affect their joints, many try to find ways to reduce pain-like symptoms.

What Is Turmeric?

Many individuals dealing with joint pain and inflammation seek therapeutic options to restore joint health. Many people can incorporate anti-inflammatory supplements and treatments to reduce joint inflammation. Turmeric is one of the anti-inflammatory supplements found in India and South Asia; anti-inflammatory components can help treat a wide variety of conditions and support general health and wellness. (“Turmeric,” 2012) Turmeric is also a functional food because its health-promoting properties can help decrease inflammatory cytokines and reduce joint pain, which can improve joint mobility. (Kepinska-Pacelik & Biel, 2023)

Turmeric’s Beneficial Properties For The Joints

Now, when it comes to the beneficial properties of turmeric for joint pain, many people can take turmeric in supplement form and, over time, will begin to notice less pain in their joints. This is because the main purpose of incorporating turmeric into a therapeutic routine is to relieve pain, slow joint degeneration, and restore joint function. (Zeng et al., 2021) Additionally, turmeric can help control inflammation and improve joint health since it can have a positive effect or be equivalent to anti-inflammatory medication for individuals wanting to reduce the effects of joint pain. (Panknin et al., 2023) When people consider their well-being and joint health, taking turmeric supplements or incorporating it into dishes can help improve joint function. At the same time, strength training the surrounding muscles can support joint improvement, and non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can help reduce the inflammatory effects of degenerating joints. This, in turn, can help people live pain-free lives and feel more in control of their well-being.

References

Kepinska-Pacelik, J., & Biel, W. (2023). Turmeric and Curcumin-Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs. Int J Mol Sci, 24(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914561

McDougall, J. J., & Reid, A. R. (2022). Joint Damage and Neuropathic Pain in Rats Treated With Lysophosphatidic Acid. Front Immunol, 13, 811402. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.811402

Panknin, T. M., Howe, C. L., Hauer, M., Bucchireddigari, B., Rossi, A. M., & Funk, J. L. (2023). Curcumin Supplementation and Human Disease: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci, 24(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054476

Turmeric. (2012). In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31643876

Vasconcelos, D. P., Jabangwe, C., Lamghari, M., & Alves, C. J. (2022). The Neuroimmune Interplay in Joint Pain: The Role of Macrophages. Front Immunol, 13, 812962. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.812962

Zeng, L., Yu, G., Hao, W., Yang, K., & Chen, H. (2021). The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biosci Rep, 41(6). https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20210817