By Clair Whitty, Nartural Health Store, Market Cross
DO YOU hear creaking or cracking sounds in your joints when you move about?
This could be one of the first symptoms and sign of developing osteoarthritis. This creaking and joint cracking can be something you joke about at first. But don’t ignore it.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects the joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine.
If left untreated it can lead to loss of joint movement. Bones spurs can develop causing further pain. So why wait until you need a hip or knee replacement? If you notice any discomfort take measures now.
Creaky joints
Common signs include creaking and cracking sounds in the joints, or pain and stiffness that often gets worse as the day goes on. The disease can have a slow onset with only mild problems to begin with.
It can be caused by overuse – repetitive strain. Are wearing the wrong shoes, which cause structural problems, or do you have bad posture? An old injury may end up causing you problems later in life.
If you’re carrying excess weight it can put pressure on your joints. And ageing is a contributing factor. Diet will have an impact too.
Eat a diet that is fresh and varied. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and gluten. Dairy and animal products are associated with increasing inflammation so keep this to a minimum.
Under control
Ideally you need to prevent further damage to joints and keep inflammation under control.
Revive Active Joint Complex is one of my favourite products to help with joint problems. It contains a mix including collagen to support cartilage, and glucosamine sulphate to help reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
Hyaluronic acid is included to maintain the health of the synovial tissue that surrounds joints. MSM supports connective tissue including muscle and ligaments.
For added help with inflammation you can add in Flexofytol, an extract of turmeric — nature’s natural anti-inflammatory.
Your main objective is to prevent further damage to your joints, reduce inflammation, and improve the quality of your life.
