chronic joint pain

As you age, chronic pain can occur seemingly overnight. People seek ways to combat the pain through various treatments including natural joint pain relief to help them continue an active lifestyle.

If you are among the millions of aging women across the country, you are dealing with daily health issues with chronic joint pain being at the top of the list. Physical activity or sports related injuries can cause stiffness and lack of mobility in knees, wrists and ankles. Arthritis based diseases target the tissue and cartilage that cushions your knee, wrist and other joints causing inflammation and ongoing soreness.

There are a few simple home remedies you can try to help in reliving you joint pain naturally:

1. Applying icepacks is a common practice in trying to reduce inflammation in and around the afflicted area. Application should be made several times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time.

2. Ginger extract has been used in eastern cultures for hundreds of years and thought to have properties that reduce inflammation and resulting joint pain. There are studies that are still out on the scientific properties of ginger as an anti-inflammatory, but there is some evidence that ginger may show some promise.

3. Tumeric is an additional plant based treatment that originates from the east to assist in reducing arthritis pain and inflammation. A 2006 study suggested that Tumeric may be more suitable as a preventive measure rather than a treatment of joint issues.

4. Devil’s Claw is a herb found in South African cultures used as a joint pain therapy. Early indications from a small group of studies have yielded some positive results but additional research and analysis is needed.

5. Although topical treatments like creams and gels are not considered all natural, an ingredient found in most of them contain capsaicin, a natural element found in hot peppers. In several studies, Capsaicin provided significant relief to painful joints to test subjects. Creams that contain this ingredient were found to have desirable results when used over a 4 week period.

In summary, there are many reputed herbs, and remedies that target pain and inflammation that exist in many cultures. Prudent research and care should be exercised to minimize risk related to allergic reactions that could jeopardize your health in other areas. Seeking a physician’s opinion is recommended before any natural joint pain relief is considered.

Is your joint pain a symptom of old age or your high heels

As you age, chronic pain can occur seemingly overnight. Joint pain symptoms can erode not only your active lifestyle but quality of life overall. Arthritis based diseases target the tissue and cartilage that cushions your knee, wrist and other joints causing inflammation and ongoing soreness.

If you are among the millions of aging women across the country, you are dealing with daily health issues with chronic joint pain being at the top of the list. Certainly, physical activity and sports related injuries can cause stiffness and lack of mobility in your knees, ankles and toes. But your feet can also be affected by age related diseases like gout, which can target the same areas and be excruciatingly painful.

In addition, many women can look to their footwear as a direct reason why they are having issues with their feet and toes. Overuse of these types of shoes may cause a woman to experience tenderness and pain resulting in conditions such as bunions or corns. Bunions, corns and calluses are caused or aggravated by poor fitting footwear that do not allow the feet to position themselves naturally when standing or walking.

Bunions are areas of the big toe that can become red and sensitive over a period of time and usually can manifest themselves in the following ways:

The base of the Big toe is swollen and irritated
The big toe is abnormally bent toward the inside of the foot
The toe is red and can be painful when touched at the joint base.

In summary, proper sizing and wearing of different types of footwear is important in keeping your feet healthy from issues like bunions and corns. Bunions can be prevented, but if your joint pain symptom is more sudden and affects only the big toe, gout may be the more serious issue to contend with. In either case, proper diagnosis by your physician is recommended.

What you need to know about Devil’s Claw and other joint pain supplements

Joint pain afflicts millions of people on a daily basis. Whether it is due to a sports injury or just old age, you can suffer from creaky knees, stiff elbows and sore wrists. If you are a affected and considering a joint pain supplement, there are a few things to consider before selecting a product.

Proper research and care should be taken when considering anything that could contain ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or conflict with other medications being consumed.

Joint tenderness is usually attributed to inflammation of the tissue between the joint areas. This inflammation can occur due to a related injury, normal wear and tear or an age related condition.

6. Topical treatments like creams and gels containing capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper, may actually provide some relief to old stiff joints. Creams that contain this ingredient were found to significant results over a 4 week period.

7. Glucosamine is another popular product people use to help them deal with joint related problems. Glucosamine is part of the normal make up of cartilage, which is the tissue that exists between your joints. Cartilage is a thick substance that provides a protective buffer between working joints like wrists and knees. Some glucosamine products can come from the exteriors of shell fish which can be very dangerous to those who suffer from shellfish allergies. An allergic reaction can be triggered by taking a glucosamine supplement.

8. Ginger extract has been used in eastern cultures for hundreds of years and thought to have properties that reduce inflammation and resulting joint pain. There are studies that still out on the scientific properties of ginger as an anti-inflammatory, but there is some evidence that ginger may show some promise.

9. Tumeric is another plant based remedy that originates from the east to treat arthritis pain and inflammation. A 2006 study suggested that Tumeric may be more suitable as a preventive measure against arthritis rather than a treatment of joint issues.

10. Devil’s Claw is an herb found in South African cultures as a joint pain treatment. Early indications from some studies have yielded some positive results but more research is needed. A small study showed 50-70% improvement in mobility, pain and joint flexibility of 227 patients.

In summary, there are many reputed herbs, creams and folk remedies that target pain and inflammation. Diligent research and care should be taken to reduce risk allergic reactions or in some cases, side effects that could jeopardize your health in other areas. Seeking a physician’s opinion is recommended before any joint pain supplement is considered.

Devil's Claw: Herbal Relief

The herb devil's claw is a traditional South African medicine used to relieve joint pain and inflammation, back pain, and headache.

Although more research is needed, there is scientific evidence that devil’s claw can help reduce osteoarthritis joint pain and may work as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In one study, 227 people with low back pain -- or knee or hip osteoarthritis -- were treated with devil's claw extract. After eight weeks of taking 60 milligrams daily, from 50% to 70% reported improvements in joint pain, mobility, and flexibility.

Devil’s claw can affect the heart, so anyone with a heart problem, including abnormal heart rhythm, should not take devil’s claw. For others, studies indicate it is safe when taken short term -- for three to four months -- but long-term safety isn’t known.

People on blood thinners or undergoing surgery should use caution when taking ginger as one study suggested it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Turmeric for Joint Pain and Stiffness

The turmeric plant grows in India and Indonesia, and its roots (when ground) serve as the basis for curry seasoning. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin; it is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. The claims are that turmeric reduces arthritis joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness related to arthritis. Turmeric is also known as a digestive aid.

Several studies have shown that turmeric works as an anti-inflammatory and that it modifies the immune system. In a 2006 study, turmeric was more effective at preventing arthritis joint inflammation as opposed to reducing inflammation. But studies in humans are lacking, so the benefit of turmeric on arthritis is unclear.

People on blood thinners should use caution when taking turmeric as animal studies indicate it may increase the risk of bleeding. It may also cause stomachache.

joint pain remedies

Joint Pain remedies 101 - Hot Peppers for sore joints

Joint pain afflicts millions of people, from creaky knees to stiff elbows and wrists. Joint soreness is usually attributed to inflammation of the tissue between the joint areas. This inflammation can occur due to a related injury, normal wear and tear or arthritis type of conditions like gout.

Joint pain remedies can range from over the counter balms and gels to oral medication and surgery depending upon the cause and extent of the issue.

Studies have shown that an ingredient, found in cayenne pepper called “Capsaicin”, may actually provide some relief to old stiff joints. Creams that contain this ingredient were used on test subjects found significant positive results over a 4 week period. The capsaicin cream was applied on the skin and delivered a warm sensation over the area and temporarily impeded the chemical that delivers the pain signal to the brain. More studies are underway, but capsaicin may be a future treatment well worth pursuing.

Additional over the counter medicines also deliver the same warm or cold sensations when applied. Popular sports creams containing menthol, camphor or other oils provide additional relief for joints and muscles and may also be an effective remedy for joint pain.

Another alternative that may provide relief is called a lidocaine patch. Lidocaine can act as a message blocker to the nerves and perform as a local anesthetic to the applied area. In addition, you can take oral medications that help reduce inflammation which should also aid in pain relief.

If you suffer from common aches and pains, normal creams and gels found at your local pharmacy may do the trick. If the pain becomes chronic and without end, a physician should be consulted for more aggressive treatments.

Why joint pain at night could be Gout

Joint pain and old age go hand in hand. You begin to feel stiff and every twist of the wrist, knee or even walking can become painful. The tissue between your joints that once provided cushion and support begin to erode due to normal wear and tear or an age related disease. Joint pain at night and into morning affects millions of people across the country.

In some instances, without notice, you can awake with sharp pains in your big toe, finger or other joints. This could be the onset of gout, which is a form of arthritis. Once pain sets in, it could last for several days and then disappear, and then re-occur at any time in the future.

Over 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from affects of gout. Men over 30 are more likely to suffer than women. High blood pressure and obesity may also increase the chances of gout as well. Women may begin to show signs after they have gone through menopause.

Gout is described as a disease that is caused by crystal deposits causing inflammation in joints like the wrist, knee and ankle areas. Once these deposits begin to affect joint tissue, inflammation can occur almost overnight and usually start with the big toe.

Diet and exercise is recommended to help prevent this age related disease. Working the body under a health and wellness program can assist in keeping joints flexible and stronger.

In summary, A healthy lifestyle and diet could be a major factor in reducing the risk of chronic joint pain. Exercise is also a factor in strengthening your joints and muscles, reducing high blood pressure to combat age related diseases like gout. Low impact exercise can be used in the beginning, and as your joints become more limber and stronger, higher impact exercise may be more suitable..

3 things that can cause Joint Pain and headaches

Old age is a natural course of life and pain is a common side effect of old age. If you suffer from stiff joints in the back, neck or other areas it may be attributed to stress. Stress can result from external influences; debt or money issues, job challenges and family hardship are all life areas that can cause stress in your daily life.

Diet and exercise is and always will be a solid strategy to combat stress and create a healthier you. Physical activity and proper nutrition can reduce risk of diabetes and other age related diseases.

If you suffer from joint pain and or headaches, the root cause may be due to stress or other problems. Your physician should be consulted to assist in proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are 3 potential causes of joint pain and headache:

1. Bruxism is a condition that involves the clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep cycles. The person usually is unaware of their teeth grinding but it may be causing long term damage to the Jaw joint and teeth. The grinding of teeth can be annoyingly loud or in some cases silent with no trace at all until checked out by your dentist. In these cases, the dentist may be the only one that can tell you are grinding your teeth which in turn causes your jaw pain and in turn headaches.

2. Changes in weather can affect your body in various ways. As air pressure changes for an oncoming thunderstorm, your body can react with a stiffening of the joints and sinus based headaches. Many people can “feel” a storm coming in as their body begins to show signs of these types of symptoms.

3. Depression and emotional stress can manifest themselves as chronic pain in joints and other areas of the body. Initial pain can come from an injury or medical condition but can be magnified feelings of anxiety and tension. There is mounting evidence that personal emotions and state of mind can actually increase the sensation of pain in the head and other parts of the body.

If stress is a factor, a good diet and exercise program is typically recommended where you should begin start to focus. In times of overwhelming jobs and gamily pressure, diet and a basic exercise program is difficult to maintain but a commitment should be made to increase health and wellness.

Meditation is another area that can produce great results in reducing stress and increasing your ability to stave off pain due to stress and emotional depression. Yoga is a great discipline to follow when trying to learn meditation and relaxation techniques.

In summary joint pain and headaches can be caused by stress and manifest themselves in different ways. Following proper diet and exercise program may assist in you in dealing with stress that can be the root cause of your issues.

If you are suffering from joint pain and allergic to shellfish, glucosamine may be deadly

Joint pain is a common side effect of growing old. You become more sedentary, and your ligaments, tendons and muscles begin to be less forgiving and cartilage begins to erode due to normal wear and tear or age related disease.

Knees, elbows, ankles and wrists can all become affected by joint pain and tenderness just by doing daily activities. Stiffness and related symptoms become more commonplace as you begin to feel old age creeping up.

To combat this, many are turning to technology and medical supplements to help deal with this daily issue. Glucosamine is one such product people turn to help them deal with joint related problems. Glucosamine is part of the normal make up of cartilage, which is tissue that exists between your joints. Cartilage is a thick substance that provides a protective buffer between working joints like wrists and knees.

Some glucosamine products can come from the exteriors of shell fish which can be very dangerous to those who suffer from shellfish allergies. Without even knowing it, an allergic reaction can be triggered by taking a supplement to assist in joint health. Proper care should always be taken when looking for new products and a physician should always be consulted to ensure products and effects are safe.

In summary, glucosamine is a popular supplement taken for joint health, but care should be taken in selecting the right product for your health and wellness program. Exercise and diet should be the first areas to be addressed as part of your intent to become more healthy and pain free.

Cartilage is a type of firm, thick, slippery tissue that coats the ends of bones where they meet with other bones to form a joint. Cartilage lines the joint space between bones throughout the body, and it acts as a protective cushion between bones to absorb the stress applied to joints during movement.

Cartilage is made up of protein strands called collagen that form a tough, meshlike framework. The mesh is filled with substances that hold water, much like a sponge. When weight is placed on cartilage, water is squeezed out of the mesh. When weight is taken off, the water returns. Cartilage does not contain blood vessels or nerves. Although cartilage is very strong, it can be damaged when a joint is injured.

Is your Big Toe suffering from joint pain and swelling? Gout vs. Bunion

Feet and toes are abused daily and taken for granted until a problem comes up causing you to focus on your attention to the problem area. Common problems include dryness, redness and cracking which can be attributed to improper care maintenance.

Bunions are areas of the big toe that can become red and sensitive. Usually the symptoms develop over a period of time and can manifest themselves like:

The base of the Big toe is swollen and irritated
The big toe is abnormally bent toward the inside of the foot toward the smaller toes.
The toes is red and can be painful at the joint base.

Usually this is the result of wearing high heeled shoes if you have narrow toes. Common padding can be used to help relief pain, irritation and potential infection, but surgery may be necessary to re-align the toe to the proper position. Bunions can occur in one or both feet.

Gout is a form of arthritis and can be felt as an immediate sharp pain in the big toe without notice. You can awake with twinges of pain and soreness in your big toe without knowing the cause. The pain may last for several days and go away but the condition can re-surface at any time as you grow older.

Over 2 million people in the U.S. alone deal with gout and most often it afflicts men more than women. Gout usually develops in men over 30 and can be more likely to occur if overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure. Women can suffer from gout, but usually post menopausal women are affected more.

In summary, proper sizing of your footwear is important in keeping your feet healthy from issues like bunions. Bunions are preventable where gout is a more serious issue to contend with. If you are dealing with joint pain and swelling in your big toe, your shoes may be the root cause.

Do you suffer joint pain and stiffness? Gout vs. Pseudogout

Joint pain is a common side effect of old age. Ligaments and tendons begin to be less forgiving and cartilage begins to erode. Our knees, elbows, ankles and wrists can all be tender and sore as we go through our daily lives. However, if you continue to suffer from stiffness and joint pain, there may be more to it than just normal wear and tear.

Gout is a form of arthritis and can strike in the middle of the night with joint pain and soreness. Without notice, you can awake with twinges of pain in your big toe, finger or other areas like ankles and knees. Although the pain may last for several days and go away, the condition can re-surface at any time in the future.

Over 2 million people in the U.S. alone deal with gout and most often it afflicts men more than women. Gout usually develops in men over 30 and post menopausal women. Males are more likely to suffer if overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Pseudogout is similar in nature and is also a form of arthritis but usually targets the knees or wrists even though other areas can be affected. Pseudogout can be caused by irregular development of calcium deposits within the cartilage area between the knee or wrist joints. Once the calcium deposits enter the fluid resulting pain can occur.

Pseudogout targets an older age group, usually people age 60 or older are affected, where gout can occur much earlier in life. During an episode of Pseudogout, your wrist or knee joint may be swollen, red or purple in color and warm to the touch.

In summary, joint pain and stiffness can be attributed to just overdoing a particular activity, but chronic pain can become more serious as you age. A healthy lifestyle and diet could be a major factor in reducing the risk of chronic joint pain. Exercise is also a factor in strengthening your joints and muscles and reducing high blood pressure to combat age related diseases. Low impact exercise can be used in the beginning and as your joints become more flexible, stronger as more physical activities can be pursued.

Arthritis and Pseudogout

Pseudogout is a form of arthritis that causes pain, stiffness, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in some joints. It usually affects one joint at a time, but sometimes may affect several joints at once.

Pseudogout commonly affects the knee or wrist. Less often, it can involve the hips, shoulders, elbows, finger joints, toes or ankles.

What Causes Pseudogout?

Pseudogout results from the abnormal formation of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals in the cartilage (cushioning material between the bones), which is later followed by the release of crystals into the joint fluid. When CPP crystals are released into the joint, they can cause a sudden attack of arthritis, similar to gout.

The cause of abnormal deposits of CPP crystals in cartilage is unknown. They may form due to abnormal cells in the cartilage, or they may be produced as the result of another disease that damages cartilage. CPP crystals may be released from cartilage during a sudden illness, joint injury, or surgery. The abnormal formation of CPP crystals also may be a hereditary trait.

What Are the Symptoms of Pseudogout?

The symptoms of pseudogout are similar to symptoms of several other diseases, especially gout (which is why this form of arthritis is called pseudogout). Some symptoms of pseudogout are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Symptoms of pseudogout include:

Sudden, intense joint pain.
Swollen joint that's warm to the touch.
Red or purple skin around the joint.
Severe tenderness around the joint (even the slightest touch or pressure may bring extreme pain).

Less often, pseudogout may cause persistent swelling, warmth, and pain in several joints, and can even mimic rheumatoid arthritis.

Most symptoms of pseudogout go away within five to 12 days, even without treatment.

Who Gets Pseudogout?

Pseudogout affects both men and women. Like gout, pseudogout occurs more frequently in people as they age, commonly affecting people over age 60.

People who have a thyroid condition, kidney failure, or disorders that affect calcium, phosphate, or iron metabolism have an increased risk for pseudogout.

It also is commonly seen in people who have osteoarthritis. "Attacks" of osteoarthritis associated with pain, swelling, and redness of the joint may in fact be due to pseudogout.

It is unusual for young people to develop pseudogout.

How Frequently Do Pseudogout Attacks Occur?

Like gout, pseudogout attacks can recur from time to time in the same joint or in different joints. The initial attack may last five to 12 days unless it is treated. Unlike gout, attacks are not linked to certain foods in your diet.

Over time, pseudogout attacks may increase, involve more joints, cause more severe symptoms and last longer. The frequency of attacks is variable. Attacks may occur from once every few weeks to less than once a year. Frequent, repeated attacks can damage the affected joints.

Is constant Joint pain causing fatigue? It may be a LUPUS Flare up

Stress is part of our common lives and is needed to keep us mentally focused and challenged. Overwhelming stress can have negative effects on our lives and even lead to health issues.

If you suffer from joint pain and feel fatigued, your body may be reacting to excessive stress signals and triggering your SLE or “systemic lupus erythematosus”. LUPUS is an auto-immune disease that has no cure and can cause aching joints, rashes and an overwhelming desire to sleep. Proper maintenance and self awareness is key to managing this disease.

If stress is a factor, these few tips may help you battle pressure that may trigger SLE responses:

1. Follow a good diet and exercise regimen. Creating an healthy environment for your body can increase your ability to handle flare-ups when they do occur.

2. Meditation is another option that can be pursued. Developing a way to put mind and body at ease can help reduce stress levels when outside influences can be overwhelming. Finding a few minutes out of each day will help your mind become more at ease and stress-free.

3. Enter a Yoga program to help your body become more centered and flexible.

4. Reduce your intent to do everything yourself. Delegation is a great way to get things done, but taking on all the tasks yourself can increase pressure to perform.

5. Become well organized and only take on manageable responsibilities. Organization is another key element in maintaining control of your life and reducing anxiety.

In summary, LUPUS will always be a part of your life until there is a cure. Management through stress relief and health maintenance can assist you in preventing flare-ups that can cause joint pain and fatigue.

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) is a long-term autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks normal body tissues as though they were foreign substances, causing inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and muscle and joint pain.

Inflammation caused by lupus can affect the skin, the joints, and most other organ systems in the body, including the kidneys, heart, lungs, and nervous system. It causes a variety of symptoms depending on which organ systems are affected and how severely they are affected.

Good self-care is essential to managing lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). Learn to recognize your body's warning signs of a flare. Warning signs may include increased fatigue, joint pain, rash, or fever. When you notice any of these signs, take steps to control your symptoms.

Stress may trigger lupus symptoms. Keep your stress level as low as you can.

Keep your daily schedule as simple as possible.
Keep your list of obligations to others to a bare minimum.
Delegate to others.
Exercise regularly. A daily walk, for example, can reduce stress, clear your head, improve your mood, and help fight fatigue.
Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and guided imagery to calm your body and mind.

Fatigue is common in people with lupus. To fight fatigue:

Get plenty of rest. Some people with lupus need up to 12 hours of sleep every night.
Pace yourself. Limit tiring activities.
Ask others for help. Don't try to do everything yourself.
Take short breaks from your usual daily activities. Consider cutting down on work hours or getting help with parenting responsibilities, at least during periods when lupus symptoms are severe.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity boosts energy and helps you stay in good condition. Walking and swimming are good forms of exercise for people with lupus.
If you suspect that depression is contributing to your fatigue, get prompt treatment from your doctor, a mental health professional, or both.

What Causes Jaw Joint Pain When you wake in the morning

Stress can be caused by many different internal and external influences; money, job and family are all potential areas that can cause stress in your daily life. Unfortunately, it can cause sleep issues and ongoing jaw joint pain as well. Some people wake up with headaches and jaw pain and have no real explanation.

Bruxism is a condition that involves the clenching and grinding of teeth. Just like snoring, the offending person usually is unaware but can be very disturbing to their partner or spouse. The grinding of teeth can annoyingly loud or in some cases silent with no trace of “Bruxing”. In these cases, the dentist may be the only one that can tell you are grinding your teeth which in turn causes your jaw pain.

Jaw issues from teeth grinding can occur at any age. Because of the constant pressure, this can lead to more serious issues with the jaw, mouth and teeth. If it goes unchecked, the result could lead to TMJ or Temporomandibular joint (the joint that connects your jaw to the skull) issues.

If you are suffering from constant earaches, toothaches or jaw pain, it could very well be due to teeth grinding during the night. There are mouth guards that can be worn to separate the teeth to protect them from damage.

If stress is a factor, a good diet and exercise regimen is typically where people need to start to focus. In times of overwhelming activities, deadlines and commitments, the diet and time taken to follow a basic exercise program is difficult to maintain.

Meditation is another option that can be pursued and is not necessarily about being one with universe. It is about aligning your mind body and soul together to become more relaxed and at peace with your surroundings. Finding a few minutes out of each day will help your mind become more at ease and stress-free. Yoga is a great program to start with to assist in learning to meditate and relax.

To begin the process, you will need to find a place that has minimal distractions and noise levels. A room, a park or even your car may offer the desired environment to allow your senses to become less stimulated. Allow 5-10 minutes for each session. As you progress, the cycles may last a bit longer, but you will find that the more your sessions develop, the more refreshed and focused you will become.

In summary, jaw joint pain can be more serious if you do not pay attention to the signs and deal with the underlying stress issues. If you believe you grind your teeth, your dentist can provide more insight and recommend a course of treatment.