Everyone experiences arthritic pain differently; two people with the same arthritic condition may have completely different symptoms, range of mobility and factors that make it better or worse.
Eliminating, reducing or learning to manage pain levels while improving and protecting your existing joint health will allow you to actively participate in everyday activities, leaving you pain-free and happier.
What causes arthritic pain?
You have over 230 moveable and semi-moveable joints in your body, consisting mainly of cartilage, bones, tendons, muscles and ligaments.
Joint pain typically involves deterioration of cartilage, which normally helps to protect the joint and the end of the bones; the once smooth cartilage becomes uneven, causing friction and pitting of the bones. tendons, ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint weaken and the joint becomes distorted, inflamed, painful and stiff.
Chronic inflammation is key
Chronic inflammation can last for several years, and if left untreated, leads to tissue destruction and thickening and scarring of connective tissues found in joints.
While arthritic conditions all have their own distinct clinical features, they all have pain and inflammation in common.
The 5 cardinal signs of chronic inflammation include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Heat
- Immobility
- Redness
Curcumin: powerful anti-inflammatory activity
Curcumin, found in Turmeric root, has a long traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic to reduce arthritic pain. Curcumin is considered the ‘master switch of inflammation’, helping to reduce the inflammatory response. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory activity improves joint mobility and relieves stiffness and swelling associated with arthritic conditions. Look for Meriva® curcumin, a patented form of curcumin that has been clinically trialled for greater absorption and bioavailability than regular curcumin.
Glucosamine: maintains healthy joint function
Glucosamine stimulates the production of important structural components that make up joint cartilage, helping to normalise cartilage and joint function by promoting cartilage repair and preventing further damage to existing cartilage.
Glucosamine improves symptoms of pain, joint tenderness and joint swelling associated with arthritic conditions.
Devil’s claw and White willow: additional pain relief
Devil’s claw is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for rheumatic and muscular conditions, helping to relieve low back and arthritic pain generally, including gout. Clinical research has shown that Devil's claw may relieve joint pain and swelling, and improve mobility and muscular discomfort of the back, neck and shoulders. White willow bark is traditionally used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory for rheumatic and arthritic conditions, helping to relieve lower back and arthritic pain.
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References
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Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 19
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