Aches and Pains Be Gone!

BRAND’S® Article - Aches and Pains be Gone

As we age, the joints in our bodies wear down gradually. Which explains why joint problems are more prevalent in senior individuals. However, feeling a persistent pain in your knees for example, may be a cause for concern in the form of arthritis.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. There are more than a hundred types, each with its own causes and treatments. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the condition typically affects adults over the age of 65, it can also develop in children, teenagers and young adults. Arthritis is also more common in women and overweight individuals.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the normal wear and tear of cartilage. Cartilage is what protects our joints by absorbing pressure and shock created by movement. When worn out, it causes friction between joints. Infection and injury in joints can also speed up the natural breakdown of cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, affecting the synovium. The synovium membrane is a soft tissue that produces fluid to nourish the cartilage and lubricate joints. In extreme cases, the disorder can erode both bone and cartilage inside of joints.

Pain management

Whether or not the pain you experience is caused by arthritis, you should always consult a doctor to get a formal diagnosis and learn about treatment options. You can also learn to look after your joints and prevent them from undergoing excessive damage, with these measures.

1. Set yourself in motion

Spending long hours in a seated position can cause your body to stiffen and affect blood circulation. Move parts of your body every now and then to loosen your joints and muscles – stretch your arms and legs, swivel your neck and waist or wriggle your fingers and toes.

2. Get active

Physical activity can help to increase joint strength and flexibility. Seek your doctor’s advice on the types of exercise suited for your joint condition. General guidelines recommend low-impact activities such as brisk walking, swimming and yoga. Even daily chores such as walking the dog and vacuuming the house are great ways to get your body moving. When you feel pain in the midst of any activity, stop immediately and rest.

3. Heat it or cool it

Depending on your preference, applying heat or ice packs to your joints after exercise can help to relieve pain and discomfort. This hot or cold therapy should not be administered for more than 20 minutes.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking has been proven to have negative effects on bone health. Smokers tend to develop less bone mass and experience accelerated bone loss, resulting in joint problems.

5. Take the right supplement

A typical joint supplement comes in the form of glucosamine and chondroitin.

*Crowley DC, et al. Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. International Journal of Medica Science. 2009; 6(6): 312-321.

Sources: www.healthline.com, www.webmd.com, www.arthritis.org

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