You?ll need two containers for this hot-cold treatment?but the relief is palpable and worth the trouble. Fill one container with cold water and a tray of ice cubes; the other with hot water at a temperature you can tolerate to touch. Starting with cold, immerse the aching joint for a minute, then switch to the hot water and immerse for 30 seconds. Keep switching from cold to hot for about 15 minutes, immersing the affected joint in each for 30 seconds each time. Finish with cold water and hold for a full minute.
Talk to your doctor about adding an omega-3 supplement. And always cook with olive oil over corn oil. Olive oil contains omega-3s and antioxidants that have been shown to reduce inflammation. To treat yourself, peel and finely mince a 3-inch piece of fresh ginger. Mix it with just enough olive oil to form a paste, then apply it to the painful joint. Depending on where the pain is, you may need to wrap the paste in place with a gauze or a length of ace bandage. Leave in place for 10-15 minutes to allow the ginger to penetrate.
Men and women should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, 1,200 for women over 50 and men over 70. Dairy is the most famous source of calcium, but it?s also found in healthy foods like cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli, and turnip greens.