8 Best Supplements for Joint Pain Relief in 2023
This article provides our ranking of the best supplements for joint pain. We shed light on natural pain relievers, anti-inflammatory supplements, and potent antioxidants that you can include in your routine to ease discomfort and improve your quality of life. You don’t have to rely on pharmaceutical painkillers; here, we show you safer alternatives.
Several natural health supplements have shown the potential to relieve joint pain.
Glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and CBD are just some of the potent pain relievers that have garnered the attention of medical researchers over the last few years.
They can be an effective form of support for your lifestyle and diet modifications aimed at reducing joint pain.
Natural supplements may offer symptom relief, but they won’t fix the root cause of your problem. Always talk to your doctor or a clinical dietician and physiotherapist to figure out what triggers the pain and how to properly address it.
Let’s dive into our list of the best supplements for joint pain.
Best Natural Supplements for Joint Pain
These natural supplements help relieve pain by reducing inflammation, mitigating pain signals, and providing the body with loads of antioxidants to protect the joints against damage. Some of them also support healthy cartilage and help improve joint mobility.
Related: Natural Pain Relievers
1. Glucosamine
Glucosamine has significant anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the cartilage in joints in good shape. Studies have shown glucosamine can also relieve pain to some degree, but the results are inconclusive (1). The concentration of glucosamine in the body declines as people age.
Studies are also conflicted when it comes to which form of glucosamine is most effective. Some evidence point to glucosamine sulfate as the best form; others find glucosamine hydrochloride to work better for joint pain.
2. Chondroitin
Chondroitin has been found to work well in tandem with glucosamine as a treatment for osteoarthritis (2). However, chondroitin was more effective in improving joint function rather than the pain itself. Doctors’ opinions are also mixed on that matter, but they’re not discouraging patients from using chondroitin with glucosamine if the combo helps them.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant from the ginger family, and it’s also one of the most powerful ancient anti-inflammatory spices in the world. It contains curcumin, the major ingredient that can help reduce inflammation (3).
If you want the best results from using turmeric for joint pain, take it with fatty oils, such as avocado or olive oil, and black pepper for improved absorption and synergistic effects.
To gauge any benefits, you’d need to make turmeric a part of your daily diet for six months. Turmeric supplements can be costly, and inflammation can be treated in other ways, so if your pain remains at the same level after this period, we recommend other supplements for joint pain.
4. Cherry Juice Extract
This natural supplement is home to anthocyanin, which gives it both red coloring and remarkable anti-inflammatory properties (4). Most patients who successfully use cherry juice extract for pain drink about one glass a day, but you may just as well eat a handful of cherries daily or take supplements infused with the pure juice extracts. However, if you’re diabetic, cherry juice might not be for you due to its high sugar content.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s have been extensively studied for their effectiveness and safety in treating joint pain and several inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (5).
The most beneficial feature of omega-3 fatty acids stems from their ability to reduce joint swelling and tenderness in patients with flare-ups.
Omega-3s work best when they’re incorporated into a diet through foods such as grass-fed beef, butter, sardines, salmon, and walnuts.
6. Collagen
Collagen is a protein whose benefits for skin elasticity have long been appreciated in the skincare industry.
Some research also highlights collagen as a potential supplement for joint pain, although some scientists argue that it can soothe muscle soreness but not inflammation (6).
Collagen comes in a capsule, powder, or liquid form. You can either supplement it or increase the amount of food containing collagen and vitamin C in your diet.
7. Vitamins
You can supplement several vitamins for joint pain, such as vitamins D and K, and antioxidant vitamins like A, C, and E (7).
The antioxidants help protect your cells against environmental damage; in the meantime, vitamins D and K are involved in bone strength and cartilage structure. Use these two vitamins if you’re deficient in them (8).
CBD: A Different Approach to Treating Joint Pain
More patients with joint pain are seeking relief from discomfort in CBD, and the research shows promising results. Studies have demonstrated that CBD activates the endocannabinoid system within your central nervous system and immune system, helping the body regulate pain, mood, temperature, memory, appetite, and immune response among many other processes.
CBD oil is touted for its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties (9). Not only does it improve the communication between immune cells (helping them properly detect “intruders”) (10), but it also suppresses an overactive immune system, which may be helpful for conditions like arthritis, Hashimoto, and multiple sclerosis (11).
Best CBD Supplements for Joint Pain
CBD alone is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, but it works even better with other synergistic molecules, such as minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and botanical extracts from fruits and herbs.
In this section, we list the top 3 brands that offer the best CBD supplements and topicals for joint pain, with well-thought-out formulas and batch-specific certificates of analysis from third-party laboratories.
1. Royal CBD
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Royal CBD has been around in the industry since 2018. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of organic CBD products in the country. It offers both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD extracts in formulas targeted at specific health needs.
The best supplements for joint pain from Royal CBD include:
- 2500 mg Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
- CBD cream and roll-on gel
- CBD Relief+ Gummies
CBD oil is the standard whole-plant formula suspended in MCT oil for improved absorption and efficacy. It’s unflavored because flavorings could compromise the potency of the end product. At 83 mg/mL, this extract is great for moderate to severe joint pain, especially when it comes to reducing flare-ups.
The CBD Relief+ Gummies offer a convenient way to supplement CBD for joint pain. Each gummy packs 25 mg of broad-spectrum CBD and 5 mg of CBC. The addition of CBC provides additional support for the nervous system, improving the communication between nerve cells, with the potential to mitigate pain signaling.
If you need relief from localized pain, check out the Royal CBD line of topicals. You can choose from CBD cream and roll-on gel. We recommend the roll-on for traveling due to its easy, mess-free application.
2. Gold Bee
Gold Bee is a unique brand combining CBD with organic superfoods to go even beyond the entourage effect in hemp.
The guys at Gold Bee have an impressive selection of products, among which we’ve found three formulas that could work exceptionally well for joint pain:
- 2400 mg Full-Spectrum CBD Oil (unflavored)
- CBD Vegan Gummies
- 2000 mg Pain Relief CBD Roll-on Gel
The full-spectrum CBD oil is a classic formula that packs 80 mg of whole-plant CBD in every milliliter. Thanks to the high terpene content of the source strain (and the addition of MCT oil), the oil tastes surprisingly well for a full-spectrum product.
The gummies are a handy alternative if you want a premeasured dose of CBD (25 mg) in each serving and don’t like the taste of CBD oils. The gummies are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
The best supplement for localized joint pain from Gold Bee is hands down the roll-on gel infused with CBD. It comes with 2000 mg of pure CBD enhanced with organic menthol crystals for a cooling touch and greater pain relief.
3. Area 52
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Area 52 is rooted in Nevada and specializes in delta-8 THC extracts, but recently, the brand has released a new line of “true full-spectrum” products that can combat different types of discomfort, including joint pain.
You can choose from the following:
- Delta-8 THC gummies
- CBD oil
- Full-spectrum gummies
The Area 52 delta-8 THC gummies are a milder alternative to regular marijuana gummies because they offer similar relief from joint pain but don’t get you as high as delta-9 THC.
If you’re not a fan of the cognitive buzz provided by delta-8, you can stick to the classics and go with CBD oil. It’s a full-spectrum extract containing 1200 mg of CBD, which breaks down to 40 mg per serving. I use this oil for mild to moderate joint pain or when my muscles are sore after a tough workout.
Finally, there’s a great middle-ground: the full-spectrum gummies that pack 25 mg of CBD and 2 mg of delta-9 THC. The subtle addition of delta-9 THC doesn’t get you high, but it’s enough to enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD, making a little go a long way.
What Causes Joint Pain?
Joint pain usually results from systemic inflammation or direct injury. It causes limited mobility, swelling, redness, and heat in the affected area.
Joint discomfort can be felt in the knees, feet, hips, wrist, or spine. Pain may be chronic or come and go.
Some patients report feeling stiffness in the joints, whereas others feel sore, complaining at a burning, throbbing sensation.
The most common causes of joint pain include:
- Previous injuries to a joint
- Repeated use of a muscle
- Arthritis or other medical condition
- Chronic stress and/or anxiety
- Obesity
- Poor overall health
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Gout
- Frozen shoulder
- Autoimmune diseases
Safety Note on Supplements for Joint Pain
Before trying a new supplement for joint pain, talk to your doctor to ensure it won’t cause unwanted interactions with other medications or health conditions.
The next step is to comb through the evidence of efficacy and safety. The fewer scientific papers on the natural substances for joint pain, the worse their potential efficacy.
Fortunately, research is growing, mostly thanks to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Visit the NCCIH website to expand your knowledge about certain complementary supplements and their success in treating joint pain. It also has a mobile app that gives you access to unbiased, research-based data about the efficacy and safety of more than 50 herbal products.
Always make sure to look for third-party lab reports when buying supplements for joint pain. The best products come with a complete panel of potency and purity analysis.
FAQs
How do I choose the best supplements for joint pain?
It’s best to speak with your doctor first. An experienced medical professional can help you determine which supplements are right for you and the condition that causes joint pain.
Remember to read the labels of all supplements carefully. Whenever you come across an unfamiliar ingredient or a long list of additives, it’s best to look somewhere else.
What’s the best dosage of supplements for joint pain daily?
The best dosage of any supplement depends on a range of factors, from your weight, age, and overall health, to your metabolism, the severity of pain, and the potency of your product. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, as he or she will be able to gauge the best dosage for you.
What time of the day should I take joint pain supplements?
The best time to take a supplement for joint pain depends on the individual formula. However, it’s best to take your supplements with fatty food if you want to maximize the efficacy of your dosage and avoid an upset stomach or other side effects.
Can I combine joint pain supplements with each other?
A rule of thumb is to take only one supplement for joint pain at a time. Doing so allows you to monitor the effects of a particular supplement and avoid potential interactions with other medications.
What are the side effects of supplements for joint pain?
All supplements, even natural remedies for joint pain, come with possible side effects. The most common adverse reactions to joint pain supplements include diarrhea, upset stomach, and headaches. However, more serious side effects are possible, too, especially if you’re allergic to certain ingredients in the supplement.
If you experience any adverse events after taking a supplement for joint pain, such as pain, swelling, or skin rash, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor. This could be a sign of an allergy.
Summarizing the 8 Best Supplements for Joint Pain in 2023
Joint pain affects millions of people all over the world. For some folks, it’s just a temporary condition, but others are doomed to live with chronic discomfort and limited mobility in the joints.
If you suffer from joint pain, you can effectively manage your condition with natural supplements. In this article, we’ve outlined the top 8 best supplements for joint pain, including the most versatile one in our opinion — CBD (cannabidiol).
Always talk to your doctor before trying a new supplement, especially if you take any medications or have other underlying conditions. A consultation with the doctor will help you avoid potential interactions with CBD or meds and determine the best dosage of the supplement.
Other Supplements That We Recommend for Joint Pain Relief:
Sources:
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- Goldberg, R. J., & Katz, J. (2007). A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain, 129(1-2), 210–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2007.01.020
- Clifford, T., Ventress, M., Allerton, D. M., Stansfield, S., Tang, J. C. Y., Fraser, W. D., Vanhoecke, B., Prawitt, J., & Stevenson, E. (2019). The effects of collagen peptides on muscle damage, inflammation and bone turnover following exercise: a randomized, controlled trial. Amino acids, 51(4), 691–704. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-019-02706-5
- P. H. Canter, B. Wider, E. Ernst, The antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and selenium in the treatment of arthritis: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, Rheumatology, Volume 46, Issue 8, August 2007, Pages 1223–1233, https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kem116
- Park C. Y. (2019). Vitamin D in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoarthritis: From Clinical Interventions to Cellular Evidence. Nutrients, 11(2), 243. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020243
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