In youth, a healthy body is taken for granted; but over time, our joints lose some of that youthful spring and our steps starts to feel more like plods or even limps, it is time to stop the clock and get back into shape.
How joints work
If we feel aches and pains it is usually in the joint that is where two bones come into contact. The bony surfaces between the joints are cushioned by cartilage and lubricating fluid. Cartilage between joints is constantly being broken down and rebuilt throughout life but as we age we produce less glucosamine which is essential for the production of new cartilage. Many people find taking good quality Glucosamine supplements can help reduce joint pain and swelling of joints and I have taken it myself for many years.
Avoid putting extra pressure on your joints
Taking good care of your joints helps you avoid problem that can take time to heal. Not surprisingly, carrying heavy bags or doing heavy lifting over time can cause pain in your hands, arms, back and shoulders.
Walking and running naturally puts pressure on your knees and feet, but being overweight or carrying heavy loads will further increase the pressure on these joints.
If you take part in sport always get the correct shoes for that sport. If, for example, you run in the wrong type of trainers you will eventually experience knee pain. Very often knee pain is caused by problems with the feet, which cause the knees stress. So if you sort out your feet you may find your knee pains disappear. Podiatrist Professor Redmond says: "Choosing the right footwear will help minimize the stress placed on the feet and joints and helps reduce the risk of injury and joint damage”.
Exercise keeps
joints mobile
According to Arthritis Research, exercise is good for arthritic joints. Anyone who has arthritis will tell you they feel stiff in the mornings but feel better during the day when they get their joints moving. Walking is good for all and brings so many benefits. A friend of mine who finally converted to the benefits of early morning exercise told me that her work colleagues commented on how bright and breezy she looked in the mornings. Early morning exercise sends you into your day positive, stress free, and full of energy to cope with anything that your day throws at you.
Listen to your body. On days that you feel strong, challenge yourself, and on days that you don’t feel so energized, take it easy.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine has been the subject of substantial research and has also received wide media coverage, which is why it has become such a popular supplement with arthritis sufferers. Arthritis is pain in the joints and there is nothing worse than creaking, aching and swollen joints but these are the typical symptoms of arthritis. There are over 200 different kinds of arthritis. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis risk factors: Old age, being overweight and practicing advanced athletics. Arthritis can affect all joints in the body, and it is impossible to predict which or how many joints will be attacked.
How is arthritis treated?
There is no standard treatment or cure for arthritis. Some doctors may recommend a diet but there is no evidence that dietary changes alone can ease or stop the development of arthritis. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis and these do indeed appear to work faster than Glucosamine; but many people say they find good long-term results with Glucosamine. Several studies have shown that over the course of about 6 weeks Glucosamine supplements relieve pain and may halt the progress of the disease. It is important for patients with arthritis to obtain help to keep the muscles and joints active and to be supported in leading a normal life. Swimming is good for people with arthritis as there is no weight on the joints and it keeps the body mobile.
Supplement or food
We cannot obtain Glucosamine in any food but it can be produced from Chitin, which is the shell part of a shellfish such as lobster, crab and shrimp. Glucosamine supplements are well worth a try as with arthritis there are many medical treatments but no cure for this painful condition. Recent research has suggested that the natural treatment Glucosamine sulphate, taken at a daily dose of 1000mg per/day, is a promising arthritis fighter.
Caution
There are few side effects but always discuss any possible changes in treatment with your doctor. Glucosamine is less toxic than anti-inflammatory drugs but should only be used by diabetics after consulting their doctor. As with all treatments, Glucosamine is associated with some side effects. No serious adverse reactions are known, though, allergy to shellfish should be born in mind. Pregnant or breast feeding women and children should avoid taking Glucosamine due to a lack of information on safety in these circumstances.
Ask Alva
I want to do some traveling with my wife around the Emirates but my wife is not keen, as she does not enjoy car trips due to travel sickness. Can you suggest a natural remedy?
— Peter W.
Fresh ginger is very effective for treating nausea and carsickness. It has no side effects such as drowsiness and it will take effect almost instantly.
— Alva
Healthlines: Aching joints
