Joint Health

The main cause is arthritis but it could also be due to injury or inflammation.

Arthritis is a common condition which causes pain and inflammation in joints. It can affect people of all ages, including children.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of the two types, and affects almost 9 million people in the UK.

OA is a degenerative disorder of the joints which mainly affects the knee, hip, spine and small bones of the hands. It can affect one or more than one joint. OA causes the cartilage, which is the shock-absorbing connective tissue around the joints, to break down.

Causes of OA:

• Age over 50
• Females more at risk
• Obesity
• Previous injury to the joint
• Family history
• Occupational overuse of the joint

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. The lining of the joints are affected and it causes painful, tender swelling and leads to joint deformity.

Pain and stiffness which is worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity

Swollen joints which are hot and tender to touch

May also cause a temperature and tiredness

Exercise - strengthening muscle around the joints improves symptoms

Healthy weight - reducing excess weight will relieve pressure on joints

Pain relief medication - paracetamol will help reduce pain but not with inflammation symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAID) such as ibuprofen will reduce inflammation and relieve pain

Steroids - a corticosteroid medication, such as prednisolone, can be used to reduce pain, inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Lifestyle remedies - This can include gentle exercise to strengthen muscles around the joint

Diet – a healthy diet including oily fish and omega 3 foods.

Supplements:

• Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, has been studied for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects in arthritis
• Studies have shown Boswellia have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Vitamin D is vital for bone health
• A study has also shown the Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha to have a benefit in reducing knee joint pain
• Lastly, another Ayurvedic herb which has had promising studies for joint health is Andrographis paniculate. Studies have also shown that it may have significant reduction of swollen joints. We have included this amazing herb in our Immunium formulation as clinical trials have shown Andrographis to support a healthy cellular immune response.