Will a salt compress really relieve joint pain?
Miscellaneous / / September 12, 2023
This method can help, but it is important to understand exactly how it works.
You can find a lot of information on the Internet that salt compresses provide relief from joint pain. The antibacterial properties of salt, which was used in ancient times for disinfection, are also often mentioned.
Table salt, or sodium chloride, is true Maybe kill microorganisms. And the cause of joint pain is really there are, although not always, bacterial or viral infections. But these two facts are in no way connected.
Can a salt compress heal joints?
Unlike the intestinal walls, which are designed to absorb substances entering the body, the skin has the opposite function - it serves as a barrier, preventing anything from getting inside the body.
To overcome this defense, the substance needs overcome several layers of the epidermis, and only molecules with lipophilic properties - those that bind to fats - can do this. In sodium (and magnesium) chloride, these elements are present in ionized form and cannot overcome the barrier. So even two hours of soaking in a sea salt bath
does not increase the amount of sodium or magnesium in the blood.And since the elements cannot penetrate the skin into the tissues - or do so only in small quantities - then the therapeutic effect of salt compresses is unlikely.
This may be why we were unable to find high-quality studies on this type of joint treatment. At the same time, a compress can really alleviate the condition, and here's why.
How a salt compress can improve joint pain
In folk medicine, there are references to dry compresses, when salt is heated, poured into a cloth bag and applied to the joint. This can really alleviate the condition, although not for long.
Heat expands blood vessels and blood flow to the sore spot, relaxes muscles, reduces pain and stiffness, increases joint mobility.
For the same purposes, the salt compress can be replaced with a heating pad or simply taken warm bath. Just keep in mind that this is a measure for temporary relief.
In addition, heat should not be applied to an inflamed and reddened joint. In this case, it is better to use anti-inflammatory ointments or do cold compress.
What else is worth knowing about joints👇
- Why do joints hurt and what to do about it?
- Should you drink collagen for healthy skin and joints?
- Why do joints crack and what to do about it?