Reducing pain and inflammation in joints in cold weather is a must for arthritis sufferers. Everyone experiences pain differently; even two people with osteoarthritis may have completely different symptoms, range of mobility and factors that can make it better or worse. Reducing pain and inflammation over winter, while working to improve and protect your existing joint health, will help you to actively participate in everyday activities, leaving you pain-free and happier.

Joint pain

You have over 230 moveable and semi-moveable joints in your body, comprising mainly 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. Cold, winter weather seems to amplify the symptoms of osteoarthritis by constricting tissues, placing more pressure on joints and nerves, leading to greater pain levels, inflammation and stiffness.

Joint inflammation

• Acute inflammation is immediate; necessary for the healing process to begin and usually resolves very quickly
• Chronic inflammation on the other hand, can last for several years, leading to destruction of tissue and thickening and scarring of connective tissues found in joints

When inflammation occurs, inflammatory chemicals are released into the bloodstream which increase blood flow to the affected area resulting in redness and warmth, while other inflammatory chemicals allow fluid to leak into the affected tissues creating swelling, pain and inflammation.

Curcumin for powerful anti-inflammatory activity

Curcumin, a component of 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 as it reduces pain and inflammation

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 a number of arthritic conditions.

Devil’s claw and White willow for 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. 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 generally.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Herbs of Gold Products for reducing arthritic pain and inflammation

• Bio Curcumin 4800+
• Bio Curcumin + Glucosamine
• Pain Ease

Find out more and shop online for these Herbs of Gold supplements above