Nerve Pain vs. Joint Pain: Decoding Your Discomfort and Finding Natural Relief

by Joel Duncan June 11, 2025

Ever feel a sharp tingle in your foot and wonder, is this joint pain or my nerves acting up? If so, you’re not alone. Many adults over 45 experience both nerve and joint discomfort—sometimes suffering both at the same time—and telling them apart can be tricky. Did you know that 5–7% of people over 45 experience the pain of peripheral neuropathy, while about 88% of the 53.2 million adults with arthritis are also in this age group?

At Zana Nutrition, we believe that recognizing the difference is key to managing pain effectively. That way, you can choose the tools, nutrition, and routines that will best support your body. This simple guide helps you differentiate the signs of nerve and joint pain and suggests natural ways to feel better.

Nerve and joint pain: What’s the difference?

Both nerve and joint pain can affect your ability to move comfortably, but they come from very different sources:

Nerve pain (neuropathy) happens when nerves are damaged or irritated. This often causes tingling, burning, or shooting sensations. Unmanaged type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy, affecting 60–70% of those with the condition. Other significant contributors include certain autoimmune diseases (like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis), vitamin deficiencies (especially B1, B6, B9, B12, and E), alcohol use disorder, and even some medications.
Joint pain (arthritis or wear and tear) comes from inflammation or damage inside the joints—often in the knees, hips, hands, or spine—leading to stiffness and aches. Osteoarthritis, characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, is the most prevalent form. Its risk factors include older age, repetitive joint stress or injury, obesity, and a family history of the condition. Other forms, like rheumatoid arthritis, are autoimmune diseases that cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the joints.

Knowing which type of pain you’re dealing with can help you tailor your self-care and treatments.

Signs of nerve pain

Neuropathy can show up in various ways, though it often starts in the feet and hands because the nerves there are the longest in the body.

Common nerve pain symptoms include

Burning or tingling (“pins and needles”)
Sharp, electric-shock sensations
Numbness or reduced feeling in the skin
Increased sensitivity to touch (even light pressure can hurt)
Muscle weakness or cramping

If you’re experiencing such symptoms, your nerves may need extra care.

Signs of joint pain

Joint pain usually makes itself known when you move, though it sometimes strikes when at rest.

Common joint pain symptoms include

Aching, throbbing pain in specific joints (e.g., knees, hips, hands)
Morning stiffness that improves with movement
Swelling or warmth around the joint
Reduced range of motion
Joint noises (popping, cracking)

If your pain is best described as a stiffness and achiness when moving, it may be joint related.

Can you have both nerve and joint pain?

Yes—and many people do!

Aging, lifestyle factors, and certain health conditions (like diabetes or autoimmune diseases) can cause both nerve damage and joint wear. This overlap is especially true for conditions like diabetes, as uncontrolled high blood sugar can both damage nerves and contribute to joint issues. Similarly, autoimmune diseases, which affect approximately 1 in 15 people in the U.S, can cause both joint inflammation and nerve damage.

That’s why it’s important to take a well-rounded approach that supports both your nerve health and joint health.

Natural ways to support nerve and joint health

Nourish your body with the right nutrients

B vitamins (especially B12) support healthy nerves. Studies show that a combination of B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12) can significantly enhance nerve repair and reduce cell damage, outperforming B12 alone.
Magnesium is vital for nerve and muscle function, with some research indicating its potential to help alleviate muscle soreness and pain, particularly for those with conditions like fibromyalgia.
Antioxidants (found in fruits and vegetables) reduce oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants that can cause cell damage. Some studies suggest antioxidants reduce inflammation, a key factor in both nerve and joint discomfort.
Omega-3 fatty acids are highly regarded for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties, with multiple studies demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing joint pain and stiffness, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Explore Zana Nutrition’s doctor-formulated supplements:

Alpha Lipoic Acid & Acetyl L-Carnitine, which fights inflammation and promotes nerve health
Zan-Mag® Magnesium: Muscle Cramp & Pain Relief, which supports muscle and nerve function

Keep moving—Gently

Regular physical activities like walking, swimming, and tai chi are known to improve circulation, flexibility, and overall well-being. For instance, tai chi has been recognized for improving balance and strength among seniors.
Consistent gentle stretching (at least twice a week), can improve mobility and flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, enhance blood flow to muscles and joints, and reduce the risk of injury.
Balance exercises help with coordination when nerves or joints are affected. Exercise interventions that include multi-component training, for example, have been shown to significantly improve balance among those with knee osteoarthritis, reducing their fall risk.

Supportive topical options

Sometimes a targeted cream can offer relief:

For joint pain, our A-Kalm® Arthritis Pain Relief Cream provides fast-absorbing, doctor-formulated comfort.
For nerve discomfort, our N-Kalm® Neuropathy Cream offers soothing relief of burning, tingling, and shooting pain.

Mind-body support

Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can alleviate your experience of pain. Such practices have been shown to significantly reduce pain perception and improve emotional regulation, providing a non-pharmacological approach to pain management.
Good sleep habits support the body’s natural repair processes, including muscle and tissue recovery. Insufficient sleep has been linked to increased inflammation, which can exacerbate both nerve and joint pain.

The Bottom Line

Whether it’s nerve pain, joint pain, or both, the right combination of lifestyle choices, nutritional support, and targeted products can make a real difference. Understanding your pain type is the first step toward feeling better.

Start by understanding your symptoms, nourishing your body, and moving mindfully. And remember, you’re not alone—many people manage these challenges successfully with a little help and the right tools. For personalized advice, always consult a healthcare professional.