(And Other Crazy Things People Try For Joint Pain)
Let's talk about desperate times and desperate measures.
When joint pain hits, people will try just about anything for relief. And I mean anything.
As someone who's researched joint health for years, I've heard some wild stories. But nothing prepared me for what I discovered when I asked our readers to share their craziest attempts at DIY joint relief.
(Spoiler alert: Please don't actually put WD-40 on your knees. Or anywhere else on your body. Ever.)
The "What Were They Thinking?" Files
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The WD-40 Incident
Yes, someone actually tried this. Their logic? "If it works on squeaky door hinges, why not squeaky knees?"
Dave from Ohio confesses: "I was desperate. My knees were making this horrible creaking sound, and one day I looked at the WD-40 can in my garage and thought... why not? My wife caught me before I sprayed it. She's never let me live it down."
💡Expert Take: Dr. Sarah Chen, orthopedic specialist, nearly fell off her chair when we told her about this: "Please, please, PLEASE don't put mechanical lubricants on your body. Just... no." -
The Duct Tape Chronicles
Mary from Florida shares: "I wrapped my entire knee in duct tape because I thought it would work like those fancy kinesiology tapes. It took half my leg hair with it when I removed it. The pain from that actually made me forget about my joint pain, so... success?"
💡Expert Take: While compression can help, maybe stick to products actually designed for human skin. -
The Banana Peel Bandage
This one's surprisingly common. People are actually taping banana peels to their joints overnight.
James from Texas admits: "My grandmother swore by it. Said the potassium would absorb through the skin. My wife thought I'd lost my mind when she found me sleeping with banana peels strapped to my knees."
💡Expert Take: While bananas are great for you, their benefits come from eating them, not wearing them.
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The Gin-Soaked Raisins
This is a real thing. People are soaking golden raisins in gin, letting the gin evaporate, then eating nine raisins daily for joint pain.
Susan from Michigan swears by it: "Been doing it for 15 years. My bridge club thinks I'm nuts, but I haven't had joint pain since I started."
💡Expert Take: While there's no scientific evidence supporting this, gin does contain juniper berries which have anti-inflammatory properties. Still... maybe just eat a healthy diet? -
The Copper Penny Taped to the Joint
Another oldie but goodie. People are taping copper pennies directly to their aching joints.
Bob from Arizona: "My grandfather did it. My father did it. Now I do it. Do I understand how it works? Nope. Do my knees feel better? Also nope."
💡Expert Take: While copper may have some anti-inflammatory properties, you'd probably do better wearing a proper copper bracelet if you're committed to this approach.
The "Please Don't Try This at Home" List
🚫 Covering joints in mustard and plastic wrap overnight
🚫 Bathing in apple cider vinegar (goodbye nose hairs)
🚫 Rubbing joints with mentholated horse liniment
🚫 Wrapping joints in cabbage leaves (yes, really)
🚫 Wearing magnetic shoe insoles (not how magnets work, folks)
What Actually Works?
After all this creative (and slightly concerning) problem-solving, what do experts actually recommend for joint pain?
The Science-Backed Solutions:
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Proper Movement:
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Temperature Therapy:
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*(Notice neither involves WD-40!)
N-Labs' Clinically-Proven Solutions
Before you reach for that WD-40 can, consider these scientifically-formulated pain relief options from N-Labs:
- Targeted pain relief within minutes
- Easy-to-apply patches
- Works throughout the day
Provides relief in just 54 seconds. Perfect for multiple pain points:
- Lower back pain
- Muscle cramps
- Stiff necks
- Any joint pain
- Lubricates joints naturally
- Removes pain in 5-7 days
- Rebuilds joint functioning
- Reduces inflammation
- Works while you sleep
- Improves sleep quality
- Tackles joint stiffness
- Shows results in as little as 6 hours
The Bottom Line
While these DIY attempts make for great stories, they also show just how desperate joint pain can make us feel. The good news? You don't need to raid your garage for relief.
Stick to scientifically-proven methods, and save the WD-40 for your door hinges. Your joints (and your dignity) will thank you.