Like many other body parts, our joints show problems. In some people, joint problems are very severe and it compromises the person’s mobility. Joint problems can occur in young people. The types and causes of joint problems are many. In this article, we will learn about joint pains, joint problems prevention, and the foods and supplements that help us keep joints healthy and functional. A joint is a place where bones meet. With age, the flexibility of joints reduces. Taking care of joints can help reduce many issues that can become severe with age.
What is joint pain?
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When we feel any discomfort at our joints, it is a joint pain. Joint pain is also called arthralgia in medical terms. A person may suffer from joint pain without any inflammation. But, in some people, joints get inflamed, which is also called arthritis. The inflammation causes pain, warmth, or redness of the joint. Swelling of joint is a very common problem. A person may have pain in one or more joints.
Causes of joint pain
Joint pains can be caused when there is a problem with-
- The bones surrounding the joint
- The muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the joint
- The lining of the joints
Joint pains can also be caused by an infection in the body.
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Common Bone Disorders
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Osteoporosis: is very common and is caused when bones become weak due to changes in mass and mineral density. The bones become prone to fracture.
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Fracture: The breaking of bone due to a strong force or pressure. The elderly and people with osteoporosis get bone fractures easily.
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Scoliosis: It is the abnormal bending of the spine.
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Paget’s Disease: Excessive breaking down and regrowth of bone.
Common Joint Disorders in Children and Teenagers
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JIA or Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: the joints get inflamed in children below the age of 16 years.
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Osgood-Schlater Disease: It causes knee pain in children who are very active in sports.
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Growth pains: It usually happens in the legs and is common joint pain in teenagers.
Common Joint Disorders in Adults
- Osteoarthritis: It is a common joint disorder in adults. It is caused due to wear and tear of the joint with age. It usually happens in the knee or hip.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It is the swelling and pain of joints. During the morning, the pain and stiffness of the joints are more.
- Psoriatic arthritis: The swelling and pain of joints are caused in people who suffer from a skin condition called psoriasis.
- Gouts: painful inflammation of one or more joints.
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Treatments for joint pain
Some joint pains are severe. People often ask the question- how to relieve joint pain? There are different ways to treat joint pain. When you visit your orthopedic doctor, you will be given drugs to treat joint pains according to the symptoms. Over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs are consumed as treatments for joint pain. But, this relief is temporary. Taking painkillers for pain relief and massaging ointments to reduce inflammation cannot be used for a prolonged time. Painkillers affect the digestive system of a person badly. Another way to ease out joint pain is to use hot and/or cold compress. Giving enough rest to your joints is also an important solution for joint pain. To prevent joint and bone pain, you have to be healthy from the inside out. So, making changes in your daily diet can also help you keep your joints healthy and fit.
Safeguarding your joints
Here are some of the tips for protecting your joints.
Quit smoking
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Quitting smoking can save you from many diseases. Smoking increases inflammation in the body. If you stop smoking, you will get relieved from pain. Quitting smoking will also help maintain healthy oxygen levels in the body.
Shed weight
If you are overweight, it will take a toll on your joints. To keep joints healthy, you should do exercises and keep body weight in control. You must take the help of a dietician or physician to make a healthy eating plan that can help you stay healthy and shed extra weight. Doing exercises such as swimming, bicycling, pilates, treadmill, walking, etc. can also help in keeping body weight in check.
Drink water instead of energy drinks
Having a sufficient amount of water will help you remain hydrated. You should increase the intake of water during exercise and hot weather. About 80% of body cartilage is made of water. So, it is essential to remain hydrated.
Food to eat for healthy joints
Following are the foods to eat for joint problems prevention.
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- Nuts and seeds such as almonds, flax seeds, walnuts, and chia seeds
- Fatty fish such as salmons, tuna, sardines, etc
- Fruits such as tomatoes, berries, apples, etc
- Olive oil
- Leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, etc
Herbs for healthy joints
Here is the list of food that you should include in your diet to keep joints healthy.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a common spice used in most Indian recipes. It is rich in curcumin, which is helpful in reducing chronic inflammation caused by Rheumatic Arthritis.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Eucalyptus is rich in flavonoids, which are rich in antioxidants. Eucalyptus oil can reduce inflammation of joints and give relief.
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Aloe vera
Aloe vera is known for its health benefits. It has anti-rheumatoid, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply Aloe vera gel on the inflamed joints or consume aloe vera juice or supplements to get relief from joint pains and keep joints healthy.
Ginger
Ginger is a common herb, and it is helpful in treating inflammation. It helps reduce stiffness and pain in people suffering from osteoarthritis. Regular consumption of ginger also reduces symptoms of Rheumatic Arthritis.
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