How Exercise And Diet Affect Joint Disorders

Managing Joint Conditions with Diet & Exercise

The field of medicine has identified at least a hundred types of joint conditions. Note these are just those that have been observed; there may be others not yet detected. While it is true that diagnosing joint problems is often straightforward (although even that is not always true) determining the main cause is more complicated, since many things can cause them to develop. Nevertheless, all types of joint conditions yield common symptoms and similarly effect the body.

Joint problems can damage the muscles, tissues and bones in the joint area. The good news is that there are some basic things you can do to delay the progression, minimize the damage and symptoms, and even avoid or prevent many joint maladies from developing. There are hundreds or even thousands of medications and supplements on the market today that can offer relief from joint-problem symptoms and damage. Still, a proper, healthy diet coupled with daily exercise is the best and simplest method to prevent and resolve the symptoms of joint conditions. Your diet will often dictate what your overall health condition will be.

Your body needs daily nourishment, and it is a lifetime task to fulfill this need. The only way our body can get nourished is by eating well.

A Healthy Diet can Help Push Joint Disorders Away

Some food options can truly help strengthen the body, while others will aid its destruction. Saturated fats, glucose, or sugar, and red meat, while a normal daily diet for many, especially for those not under a modified diet, are not inherently bad. But too much of these foods can definitely contribute to the development of joint problems sooner or later. On the other hand, healthier food selections like vegetables, fruits, root crops, especially ginger, and whole grains can help push them away.

Another matter in eating is that too much of anything is not beneficial, even if the food itself is healthy. Moderate your eating to a healthy rhythm. Overeating causes fats to develop that settle in the body, thus, the body gains excess weight. And being overweight is one of the reasons joints become damaged and problems develop, especially in the lower parts of the body where the weight is distributed.

Promoting Health through Daily Exercise

Joint problems can cause major changes in a person’s life since they can make even the simplest body movements difficult, painful and sometimes impossible to do.

This is the same reason most people think that doing exercise is not going to be helpful and can further damage the joints and bones if a joint disorder is present. That is certainly not true! Most doctors recommend daily simple exercises as a form of physical rehabilitation therapy for those suffering from these issues as well as for those at risk of developing them. Exercises can help the body improve its range of motion, especially in the joint areas where joint damage is prevalent.

Many exercises help the body shape up, and some of them are even beneficial to those suffering from joint problems. Doing daily exercises helps the muscles, joints, and bones by developing endurance and elasticity.

Additionally, exercises help with body weight, an overabundance of which is one of the main causes in the development of joint issues. Yet such exercise does not have to be extreme, especially if the person is suffering from a more accute joint syndrome. In fact, those exercises requiring basic movement are better like stretching, walking, and jogging.

It is obvious that diet and exercise play a big role in every person’s health, especially a role in preventing joint conditions from developing. Nevertheless, consult a doctor or medical professional to check your overall body health before starting a diet and exercise program. The health professional can determine which diet and exercise path will cater to your body’s needs.

The Causes Of Joint Problems

What Causes Joint Problems?

Joint problems affect a lot of people, especially the elderly, but some types of joint conditions affect young people as well. Joint problems can develop from aging, an unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, or injury. Some people do not know they have this condition until it has worsened, because they have ignored the early signs and symptoms. It is a sad fact that most people think that only the elderly develop these conditions. Ultimately, they don’t care about gender and age and can affect anyone.

There are Different Types of Joint Conditions

Medicine has identified at least a hundred types of variants of joint conditions; some may still be unidentified at this time. Even for the most common types there is currently no cure, and science has not clearly defined the core reason why they can develop or what definitively causes them to develop.

Joint problems can develop due to genetics where parents of the patient have the problem-carrying genes. Symptoms then appear as the person ages or even during the younger years. HLA-DR4 is the gene that triggers one of the more serious variants.

That is why if a family member suffered from a joint condition the probability of a person developing it increases as well. Nevertheless, age is still the major factor in the development of joint issues. According to studies a person may start feeling the effects of joint problems around the age of 50. As the body ages, the production of hormones and all other natural chemicals becomes unstable as it may increase or decrease causing the damage in the joints.

On the other hand, those who may have escaped the said natural changes in the body may still develop joint problems if they have had some physical injury to the joints that remained untreated through the years.

Infection including bacterial, viral or even an STD, can also cause the development of joint damage. The body’s own defense against attack — the immune system — can cause the development of a joint condition. The autoimmune condition damages the joints by destroying the healthy joint cells until every part of it breaks down beyond repair.

Do Not Ignore The Symptoms

The scary part about joint issues is that the signs and symptoms only manifest if the problem is already somewhat advanced, making it hard to avoid. Some people ignore the symptoms thinking that the uncomfortable sensation or pain in the joint is something else entirely.

Keep in mind that these are just few of the reasons for a person to experience joint problems that causes the painful and uncomfortable symptoms that may cause changes to the patient’s way of living. Joint problems can definitely make daily tasks like moving around hard or even impossible to do because of the joint pain, hardening, and stiffening. While it is true that there is no cure for the more severe joint conditions, the good news is that the chances of contracting them can be avoided by keeping a healthy and active lifestyle. But if a problem already exists, the best way to minimize the damage and the symptoms is to consult to a doctor or specialist as early as possible.

The Symptoms Of Joint Conditions

Joint Pain Symptoms

Most people have already experienced at some point in their lives some symptoms such as pain in a joint area. Such joint conditions are fairly common and can be caused by physical trauma to the joints or some kinds of infection left untreated. If a person gets sick or infected by an illness, then resulting body ailments or discomfort usually appears.

However, some physical conditions or illnesses can bring joint disorders including tumors or joint degeneration. Sadly, these illnesses bring debilitating symptoms and can greatly affect the normal routines of a person, making daily activities difficult to manage.

Symptoms you are Experiencing

Keep in mind that the extent of the joint pain depends on the person’s physical condition. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional in order to find the root cause of the symptoms. The most typical symptoms of joint problems are:

Redness, usually followed by a warm sensation
Inflammation, or swelling of the affected part
Pain, or an uncomfortable feeling even with the slightest movement
Difficulty in moving the joint area.

In worst cases, the symptoms may even be accompanied by nausea and high temperature.

Even though these symptoms are noted most of the time, not everyone observes or feels the same symptoms. Some of these may be caused by other physical conditions as mentioned. In some cases, physical fatigue from heavy activities or injury may cause joint pain. Even stressful exercises, such as body building or heavy household chores, may cause damage to the joint.

Aging is another factor in joint damage, since the body no longer produces some natural chemicals efficiently. As we age, our bodies begin to lose their efficiency in recuperating, particularly in cell regeneration.

This is why degenerative joint disorders are common in elderly people often affecting people in their 50s and up. It such conditions where the joint cartilage is damaged, notable pain can result whether moving the affected area or even keeping it immobile.

Other causes of pain in the joint area are gout and metabolism deficiency.

Consult with Medical Professionals

Physically stressed triggered joint pain can be easily manager with treatments. Physical injuries can also be resolved with physical and rehabilitation therapies that speed up the healing process and repair damages in the joint.

These therapies also minimize the pain over time. Usually, the therapies are accompanied by medications and supplements. But, if the condition does not improve after medication and therapy, consult a doctor immediately to determine the reason for persistent symptoms. They can already be early signs or indications of some other serious physical condition.

Aside from the fact that a proper diagnosis will minimize uncomfortable symptoms, a doctor is also needed to understand other required treatments as well as to rule out the possibility of other serious illnesses.

Knowing The Causes Of Pain In The Joint

Typical Causes of Joint Pain

There are many reasons why joint-condition symptoms, such as pain in the joints, appear. This is why the right diagnosis can be difficult. Pain in the joints can be very uncomfortable and even unbearable, leading to sleepless nights and limited motion. These symptoms make daily simple tasks impossible to manage and can also cause psychological stress.

Physical trauma, like bone injuries and sprains, can also cause pain in joints. Damaged tissues and tendons can cause symptoms that are similar to bona fide joint maladies. All joint disorders can cause joint pain and the most common is a type in which the cartilage protecting a joint breaks down. It is a degenerative process that damages the cartilage, causing the bones and the muscles or tissues to deform. The manifestation of this condition starts with pain in the joint area, especially in the morning or during the cold season. The pain usually subsides during the day only to reoccur at nighttime.

Not Immune From Autoimmune

Another common type of joint disorder is an auto-immune syndrome — a condition where the body’s immune system attacks normal and healthy cells in a joint. The joint pain that is unusually severe in this type of joint malady can appear anytime of the day. In rare and extreme cases the patient describes the pain as unbearable and the condition can even contribute to the death of the victim due to complications in the blood vessels and vital organs.

A less common form of joint condition, characterized by inflammation of the joints and pain, can be caused by viral infections such as rubella, mumps, or measles. It is often concentrated in one area of the body, but the infection can travel to other parts through the bloodstream.

Other physical conditions related to metabolism can cause joint disorders, too, such as gout. Gout develops due to a high level of uric acid in the body that causes inflammation of the joints and cartilage. The uric acid stays in the joint area, causing damage and extreme pain. The early manifestation of gout is usually observed in the big toe.

Joint problems are caused by many physical conditions and they can also appear as a symptom of other disorders. Joint pain will physically appear with redness, tenderness, and even hardening of the joint. The good news is that there are some methods and treatments that can minimize the pain if a doctor or a medical specialist properly diagnoses it. Diagnostic techniques include x-rays and blood exams. Some joint pain conditions can be relieved with simple topical creams, rehabilitation exercises, narcotic solutions, or a muscle relaxer.

Joint pain can be seriously unbearable, especially for older people who are often the victims. It can cause major changes to a patient’s life, affecting the ability to move, stand, lie down and walk, adding up to psychological stress from frustration. That is why it is important to immediately have a medical check up if joint pain occurs at any given time. There are treatments that can help heal the damaged joints, or treatments that can delay the progression of such conditions as well as minimize their painful and uncomfortable symptoms.

Joint Pain: Knowing The The Possible Causes

What Causes Joint Pain?

Pain in the joints is not just uncomfortable, but also can be unbearably painful, and can even alter your way of living. The pain and other conditions, such as hardening or stiffening of the joints, can cause difficulty with even simple movements. The joint’s condition not only affects the patient physically, but can also cause some psychological stress as well. Contrary to popular belief, joint pain is not only caused by joint degeneration. Other physical conditions or maladies may also trigger symptoms.

The most common joint disorders damage the joints and even the surrounding areas. They can develop from aging, malnutrition, untreated physical trauma or even genetics. Although common they are often irreversible with symptoms ranging from mild to moderate to severe. In worst cases they can even contribute to the death of the patient due to complications involving major organs.

Other Causes of Joint Pain

On the other hand, an infection followed by swelling or inflammation, can also cause joint pain. Having joint pain does not automatically mean that the person is suffering from a joint disorder. Consider that humans have upwards of 250 joints and it is only normal to experience some joint pain, especially after physically stressful activity. In fact, a simple pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drugs available over the counter in any pharmacy can resolve most of these joint complaints.

Physical trauma such as “wear and tear” to the joints can also cause joint-problem symptoms. Pressure on the joints can cause damage, which normally swells or gets inflamed. Athletes or those involved in physical work such as construction can routinely experience this type of joint trauma.

The inflammation or swelling of the joints causes pain, too. Any joints that continuously receive pressure from excessive weight or from constant movement and activities, can cause “wear and tear” or injury to the joints that can lead to infection.

Treating the inflammation usually reduces the pain as well since that is the usual reason for the pain. Many types of anti-inflammatory medications in the market or pharmacy are available over the counter.

Joint pain can also appear when people use their muscles or joints all the time, without rest. For example, gym goers usually experience these symptoms after undergoing serious workout or exercises. This is due to the pressure applied to the muscles and the joints. Warm bath or steaming can relax the muscles and reduce the pain in the joint area. In some cases, a cold compress resolves the joint pain problem, especially when caused by an injury.

As mentioned above, pain in the joints can be very uncomfortable and it can immobilize a person from doing even the simplest daily activities; this usually causes mental or psychological stress to the patient, and even can cause the pain to worsen.

Dealing and Finding Solutions

Since there is no cure for the most common joint conditions, the next best solution is to deal with the symptoms. With a degenerative joint condition, patients often joint pain during the first part of the day but it subsides with movement during the day. Simple exercises can help alleviate joint pain and prevent joint hardening. This improves both the range and motion of the joints when a joint disorder is already present.

There are times when pain in the joints comes from lack of movement. That is why it is important for patients with joint pain, even for those without a diagnosis of one of the common joint conditions, to engage their joints in some gentle stretching, achieved by walking or jogging. Even the simplest exercises help improve elasticity and increase the lubrication of the joints and the muscles that support that area, as well as promote the healing process if there is damage in the joints.

For those who feel frequent joint pain, this may be a sign that a doctor’s intervention is already necessary. Recurrent joint pain can be a sign of a condition triggering it. Early detection is important in order to effectively delay the progression of many joint conditions, enabling doctors to offer a better range of treatments and medications to minimize the symptoms.

What To Expect From Joint Conditions

What to expect from Joint Conditions

Early diagnosis and preventive care play a large role in limiting the development of joint conditions, and in managing and reducing symptoms. Medicine has identified at least a hundred variants of joint problems. Still other types may not yet have been categorized and identified. While many variants do not have any known cure, the chances of being affected can be reduced. Nevertheless, when there is a pre-existing risk of developing the a joint malady. Early diagnosis is the best thing to do in order to delay progression and to minimize the debilitating symptoms and damage.

Furthermore, the symptoms may be your body giving notice of another more serious problem. That’s why a doctor must be involved as early as possible so that treatment to analyze symptoms and so that rehabilitation will not be limited. Unfortunately, most people ignore the appearing symptoms, thinking they are only minor until everything escalates for the worse.

Most doctors or medical experts agree that it is very important to have a consultation whenever patients feel something in their joints. This is especially true if anyone in their family suffered from this a joint condition, had some physical injuries recently or in the past, or if they are usually involved in physically stressful activities. It’s helpful to keep a short note of the things that they have observed or felt in the joints before the consultation. This simplifies the general process of diagnosis.

Diagnosing Joint Conditions

During the diagnostic process, the doctor conducts a thorough medical checkup, which includes but is not limited to, some basic exercises and movement that gauge the patient’s range of motion or measure the extent of the damage in the joints.

Your medical history is important in the process of diagnosis. The medical history clarifies to the doctor your physical condition including any past illnesses or even just injuries that might have caused the joint problem to develop. Doctors also consider checking the patient’s family medical history to help gauge the risk of a genetic condition.

The Tests

Several tests help the doctor to diagnose joint conditions. These tests also are used in other diagnostic procedure for other problems. A blood test is the most basic and common form of diagnostic test used by doctors to determine whether there is an infection involved, bacterial or viral. Determining these factors helps resolve any infection and all its symptoms, such as joint problems, through proper and effective medication.

A urine exam is another common type of diagnostic test that helps doctors see if there is an infection causing the joint problem or the progression of a joint condition. This test also measures the amount of natural chemicals in the body, whether they are elevated or decreased.

In addition, doctors also require technologically aided diagnostics when the condition calls for them, like the X-ray and the CT Scan.

The most basic among the high-tech diagnostics is the X-ray, which helps doctors have a glimpse of the bones’ condition. The CT Scan provides an even better image of the condition of joints, bones, muscles, and the tissues surrounding the area of concern.

After a proper diagnosis the general doctor usually refers the patients to a specialist for further consultation and in order to determine and receive the appropriate treatment for the symptoms as well as rehabilitation of the affected parts.

Basic Advice

Remember that preventive is the preferred route, as there is currently no cure for many types of joint problems. It is better to either avoid the issue completely by keeping healthy or to at least regularly consult a doctor if you see or feel something unusual in the bones or in any joint area.

The Types Of Common Joint Conditions

The Most Common Types of Joint Disorders

Many conditions affect the joints. A common misconception about joint problems is that it only affects people in their senior years. Yet this is not always the case. They can also affect young people. In the United Kingdom alone, at least nine million people suffer from one form or another of this malady. The medical field recognizes many variants of this condition, more than a hundred of them, with two types occurring most common. Below we discuss these two types.

The Most Prevalent: Degenerative Cartilage

The most common joint condition is a progressive disorder in which the cartilage protecting bones and joints breaks down. It is non-reversible and can only be delayed if it is already present. When struck with this condition the cartilage is no longer capable of keeping adjacent bones from rubbing together. The cartilage thins and degerates.

When the cartilage no longer functions well, the friction of the two connecting bones creates pain, at levels that vary from uncomfortable to unbearable and that can extend to the extremities.

This malady is common in men and women over the age of 50. Most people regard this physical condition as a senior’s issue but other factors may affect its development, including past physical trauma or genetic predisposition.

The following are some of the indications that it is already present:

Pain in the joint area
Swelling in the joint area
Stiffness
Limited movement

Common symptoms appear in the morning or at night or during the cold season, but these symptoms often decrease as the day progresses. This is the reason why most people don’t really give it much thought, until the condition worsens.

The Runner-Up: An Autoimmune Betrayal

The second most common joint condition is another progressive / degenerative type, but this type can affect any age group and can damage the entire joint and the surrounding area. It is an auto-immune defect where the body’s immune system attacks the joints and tissues, most often of the hands and feet.

The symptoms of this disorder are similar to the degenerative type discussed above, but symptoms occur and recur anytime of the day. The latter stages of the disorder cause deformity of the joints affected.

The Effects of Joint Conditions

Joint maladies can greatly affect the life of the people affected by them making simple daily tasks difficult and, for some, impossible. The subsequent frustration can trigger psychological effects in the victim, including a sense of depression.

Although these conditions are very rarely fatal, a person suffering from them needs support to minimize the stress that the physical changes can bring. Friends and family members of the patient need to help the victim feel that everyone understands his or her condition, acknowledging that it is a real and debilitating issue. This can at least contribute to relieving the psychological pressure. Support groups are also available in some areas or even over the Internet.

Treatments

There are ways to minimize the symptoms of joint conditions including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, diet and exercise. Most often, treatments that are available on the market take care of the symptoms. More severe cases may require surgical procedures such as joint replacement and joint fusion.

Currently, science is still not able to offer any medication that can eliminate joint disorders but only suggestions that help in minimizing the risks of developing them. One such example is maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is best to get a check-up to see if you suspect you have symptoms of a joint condition.

Solutions For Unbearable Joint Pain Symptoms

Treat your Joint Pain

Joint conditions can produce very uncomfortable symptoms such as joint pain, which appears through actual discomfort or pain, redness, and heat, or a warm sensation. While other physical conditions can cause similar symptoms tosuch as joint pain, several treatments are available to patients, provided that they get the right diagnosis.

Though science has not determined the exact cure to prevent or eliminate all joint problems, the good news is that there are ways to minimize their effects and symptoms so that those suffering can still live a normal life, doing their daily routines or chores. These available treatments are proven to improve or minimize the symptoms of joint conditions.

Medicine Treatments for Joint Pain

NSAID, also known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, are usually prescribed to patients in order to reduce pain and extent of inflammation of the joints. NSAID can be either prescribed or over-the-counter medications, depending on their dosage.

Steroids can effectively reduce pain in the joint, and they can be taken orally or injected into the affected area. Among the list of NSAID, cortisone is commonly used to minimize the pain and all other symptoms. The actual injection of medicine may only be performed by medical professionals.

Dietary Supplements

Over many years of research, glucosamine has been observed to minimize or reduce joint pain caused by joint degeneration. Glucosamine is commonly used in treating patients suffering from this type of joint problem by repairing the cartilage in the joint and reducing the pain.

Aging is one of the major reasons people develop joint problems. The condition worsens as the body is no longer efficient in producing glucosamine. Therefore, glucosamine supplements help to sustain or link the gap.

Another supplement that can help in repairing and improving the condition of the joint is chondroitin. Chondroitin is usually combined with glucosamine to provide the maximum effect. These chemicals are produced naturally by the body, and taking them will not give harmful side effects, compared to supplements clinically engineered .

Physical Therapy for Joint Pain

Rehabilitation therapy, physical therapy, or simple movements and exercises play a major role in treating the symptoms of joint problems. Medical experts suggest that simply by doing some usual body movements joint pain can be reduced. Simple movements include walking, stretching, and non-stressful exercises.

Increasing the blood flow also helps to treat the joint condition. If the blood flow rate is normal, then pain and inflammation caused by the condition can be reduced. A normalized blood flow also promotes joint rehabilitation. One way to improve the blood flow is through massage.

Changes In Lifestyle

Above all else, those who suffer from joint conditions must take steps to change their lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet and healthy activities or routines, will greatly improve the overall condition of the joints. Medical experts also suggest that getting enough rest and avoiding unhealthy vices, like alcohol and smoking, will help as well in delaying the progression of joint deterioration.

Obesity or being overweight causes pressure and stress to the joints, tissue, and muscle groups, which in turn causes uncomfortable and painful sensations. Studies suggest that eating healthy and natural food, such as fruits and vegetables helps through proper nutrition.

Surgical Procedures

Among the treatments that minimize and reduce the progression of joint conditions, surgical procedures are usually last in the list. Surgery is usually recommended for severe cases where lifestyle changes and medication are no longer effective in resolving the joint problem.

The type of surgery depends on the severity of the joint condition. Nevertheless, some basic treatments can be done and applied at home, such as hot or cold compress and a warm salt bath. Topical creams are also effective for mild cases of joint problems. Always remember that self-treatment is never a good idea when it comes to joint issues and symptoms. Always seek advise from a medical professional or a doctor.

Relieving Joint Problems by Swimming

Treat Joint Problems by Swimming

Many people have had fun swimming with friends and family. It is a very relaxing activity, and you cannot deny the fact that swimming is something that takes away stress, even if just for a short time. But not everyone knows that swimming benefits the body, too. People in some countries with very cold weather dip in a warm pool or spring to help them balance or increase their body temperature and to fight the freezing weather.

In the field of medicine, a warm bath or swimming in a warm pool is considered beneficial, especially for the elderly and those who suffer from muscle and joint pain.

The warm water helps reduce the pain in the joint as well as its inflammation, the usual cause of pain. Swimming is also used in medicine for physical and/or rehabilitation therapy.

Swimming increases the muscles’ endurance and strength, while improving the range of motion of the joints.

When the joint condition is already present, swimming reduces joint damage due to injury or joint problems.

Swimming Therapy for Joint Problems

When using a warm bath treatment, doing a specific stroke is not necessary. What matters most is that the body part affected by the joint pain or damage soaks in the water to increase its blood flow. This relaxes the tension in the muscles and reduces inflammation to the joint area. Doing some simple movements like walking or even just stretching while dipping in the warm water is good enough to promote healing, especially in the common parts where joint pain can concentrate like the hip, knee, and ankle.

Swimming Exercises for Joint Pain

A typically good example of an exercise is where the head remains on the surface of the warm water while everything else is submerged, moving the arms and the wrist in a circular and crossing motion. This improves the joint conditions in the upper body parts, especially the hands and arms. Walking around the warm pool will then improve the joint condition of the hip joints, legs, and feet.

Those who suffer from joint damage can experience uncomfortable symptoms like joint pain, joint stiffening, or hardening. This hinders patients from normal movement, not to mention doing simple and basic exercises.

However, doing the exercises in the water reduces the gravity and the weight of patients making it easier for them to move, while simultaneously, the high water temperature reduces the inflammation and pain in the joint and muscles.

Basic swimming strokes recommended by most physical therapists and specialists that promote healing of the joint damage and reduce the symptoms of joint conditions include the following:

The dog-paddle stroke strengthens the arms and legs. This swimming style requires swimmers to kick to move forward, while paddling the hands and arms under the water to keep afloat.

In contrast, the crawl, another swimming style similar to the doggie paddle, keeps swimmers afloat by paddling only the hands under the water to make forward movement as well.

Patients must be careful though because there are some swimming styles or strokes that can damage or harm joints, especially if not done properly. For instance, the breast stroke is a very stressful swimming style that can bring intense pressure to the joint area and muscles in the body parts involved in doing it, especially for those not used to swimming. Going for a warm soak or swim can be really helpful for those trying to reduce the symptoms of joint conditions or for those suffering from joint damage caused by injuries. But it is always best to get advise and consult with a medical expert or specialist before doing any exercises, whether or not it involves swimming. Experts can also inform patients about certain details concerning safety as well as all other relevant information about swimming exercises, such as the pros and cons.