Ever suffer from aching joints and pain that seems never to go away?
You may be suffering from arthritis, a condition that can be caused by a bacterial infection, injury, or overworking of the joints. It’s the most common reason for disability in people over the age of 65. The pain can be debilitating and have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Fortunately, there are many natural ways to beat arthritis. Here, we take a closer look at some of them.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the literal term for inflammation of the joints. It’s a condition that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down and become inflamed, which leads to pain and swelling. Arthritis is the most common disease affecting the human body. It affects around one in five people and is often caused by an autoimmune disorder. There are several different kinds of arthritis, including:
Osteoarthritis
Also known as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, osteoarthritis usually affects the joints of your hips, knees, spine, and hands. It may also occur due to injury and usually gets worse as we get older.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis – or rheumatism – is a general term that includes a variety of conditions affecting the mobility of the joints, especially the small joints of the fingers and wrists.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Also called ‘spinal arthritis’, ankylosing spondylitis is a condition in which the joints of the spine become inflamed, causing pain and mobility issues.
Gout
Gout is a condition in which the joints become inflamed and painful because of high levels of uric acid in the blood. It is often caused by excessive consumption of rich or fatty foods, such as cheese, game and red meat.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a condition in which the body’s joints become inflamed and sometimes painful due to the skin condition psoriasis.
Juvenile arthritis
Juvenile arthritis is a general term for a group of conditions that cause the inflammation of the joints of young children.
What are the symptoms of Arthritis?
The symptoms of arthritis can include joint pain, stiffness and deformity, and problems with mobility due to inflammation. They can vary, and some people may experience only one or two symptoms.
The most common joint affected is the knee, followed by the hands, ankles, wrists, and feet. Some people experience joint pain, but not stiffness, in their hands and feet. Typically, people with arthritis feel stiffness in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
The symptoms of arthritis are not enough to be diagnosed on their own. In general, arthritis is diagnosed based on the patient’s medical history and physical examinations.Some tests can be done to determine if arthritis is causing your symptoms, including:
X-Rays
An x-ray is a type of imaging that can be used to view bones and joints. X-rays allow doctors to see the differences in the bones and how the joints are functioning.
MRI scan
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is another type of imaging that allows doctors to view bones and joints. Unlike x-rays, an MRI provides a very detailed image of the joint to see precisely where any inflammation or deterioration has occurred.
Arthritis can also be diagnosed based on how your symptoms affect your lifestyle. Blood tests can be done to see if certain infections can cause arthritis.
How to ease symptoms of Arthritis
Diet and exercise both play a big part in keeping your bones and joints healthy. Dairy products, including milk, yoghurt and cheese, are rich in Calcium, which strengthens your bones and joints and can also keep your teeth strong. However, as we mentioned above, steering clear of the rich, creamy cheeses will help you avoid the painful symptoms of gout.
Meanwhile, Vitamin D will help your body absorb Calcium and prevent your bones from thinning. Fatty fish and dark, leafy greens are both excellent sources of Vitamin D, while spending time in the sunshine will also help your body produce the amount you need. Just stay sun-safe, as too many rays can damage your skin.
Getting more gentle, moderate exercise to keep your joints moving is a good way of preventing the onset of arthritis. So, too, is maintaining a healthy weight to avoid putting additional strain on your joints. Ensuring you have the correct posture when doing things requiring repetitive movements, like typing, driving, writing or bending down to lift things can also help.
Some of the other things you could try to ease the symptoms of arthritis include:
- Keeping joints warm, either by wrapping them up or using a heating pad
- Using ice packs on your joints to reduce the swelling
- Wearing clothes that aren’t too restrictive and easy to put on/take off
- Wearing support bandages to reduce the pressure on your joints
- Gentle exercise to keep joints moving
- Avoiding bending or twisting your joints or lifting heavy objects
There are several over-the-counter remedies you can take to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and strengthen your joints when it comes to medication.
You could also try a natural supplement like EverFlex, which helps strengthen cartilage and replenish it with the nutrients it needs. EverFlex contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help keep your joints healthy and supple.
Unfortunately, as we age, our joints can become stiff and painful. Not letting it dictate your life is vital. Staying active, eating the right foods and resting your body correctly will help keep your joints in good condition, so you can continue to do the things you enjoy and maintain your quality of life.
Check out these links to find out more:
Disclaimer:
Information and other content provided in Lily & Loaf blogs should not be construed as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult with your health care provider.
