Did you know there are more than 350 million arthritis sufferers worldwide?
Arthritis results in inflammation or breakdown of the joints. People who have arthritis most commonly experience joint swelling and pain, many of them experiencing a limited range of motion alongside joint stiffness, and even severe pain. As a result, they often seek treatment from their doctors.
Medications are often prescribed for joint inflammation pain relief. But, all treatments for arthritis aim to reduce symptoms and enhance the quality of life.
Below you will learn more about joint inflammation. You will also discover some natural ways to reduce swelling and pain in your joints.
WHAT IS JOINT INFLAMMATION?
Inflammation of the joints occurs when fluid [synovial fluid] fills the tissues around them. Also, joint swelling often happens due to injuries, infections, and arthritis as the most common types of arthritis. We can also consider chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease with an immune response as not so common types of arthritis as well
Inflammation of the joints can result from a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of swollen joints are listed below.
INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS
Often bacteria, viruses, or fungi cause an infection in the joints’ tissues. This type of infection usually develops after an infection elsewhere in the body, and it is also known as septic arthritis or reactive arthritis.
A person’s skin, nose, throat, ears, or wound can carry the infection to the joint via the bloodstream, leading to many issues, the most common being a bacterial infection. Also, the joints that are damaged are more susceptible to infection, and infectious arthritis is one of the most common form of arthritis globally.
SACROILIAC JOINT INFLAMMATION
The sacroiliac joints connect your lower spine and pelvis. If one or both of them are irritated, you will have sacroiliitis. You may feel pain extending down one or both legs from your lower back.
Excessive standing or stair climbing may aggravate the condition. Many conditions can cause low back pain, making a diagnosis of sacroiliitis difficult. The condition is related to inflammatory arthritis of the spine.
Sacroiliitis may affect more people than doctors think. The number of people with sacroiliitis may range from 10 to 25 per cent, but the exact number is unknown.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears away with age. Millions of people worldwide suffer from this form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can damage any joint, but it is most commonly found in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
It is often known as “wear and tear disease” because it develops slowly and progresses over time. In addition to pain and stiffness of the joints, Osteoarthritis can cause grating sensations. One of the most common types of osteoarthritis appears at the level of the knee joint
During Osteoarthritis, connective tissues that connect muscles to bones degenerate. Joint inflammation appears as an inflammatory response, as a result of Osteoarthritis.
FIBROMYALGIA
The disorder fibromyalgia causes widespread chronic pain, insomnia, and mood changes. These symptoms typically appear after you experience a trauma, surgery, or infection. However, symptoms can also develop gradually over time without a single trigger.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
An autoimmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis classified as a rheumatic disease that causes inflammation of the joints due to an attack by the immune system. Painful, swollen, and stiff joints are common symptoms of the condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis usually wreaks havoc on both sides of the body when it comes to joint damage. As a result, if your arms or legs suffer from pain in one joint, it will probably affect the other joint as well. One of the main medical treatments for this type of the joint disease is anti-inflammatory drugs, which can help limit the inflammatory condition of the issue, helping reduce the chronic condition of the disease.
WHAT CAUSES JOINT INFLAMMATION?
Bones connect with each other through joints. Your joints provide support and allow you to move. If you have joint damage from disease or injury, it can interfere with your movements and cause a great deal of pain.
The following are some of the causes of joint inflammation:
- Age
- Certain health conditions [any medical condition such as those listed above]
- Race
- Joint Injury
The risk of arthritis is greater for non-Hispanic Black, Latino, and multiracial people than other ethnic groups. The reason for this is unknown, although it may have something to do with genetics.
Also, did you know certain foods cause inflammation of joints? It’s the greasy high saturated fat foods that are causing joint inflammation.
Foods high in sugar, processed food, and fried foods can cause inflammation in joints. For example, AGEs, a type of inflammatory compound found in processed meat, contribute to its strong association with colon cancer.
You can reduce joint inflammation by changing your diet. In the next section, you’ll learn which foods are good for reducing joint inflammation.
HOW TO REDUCE JOINT INFLAMMATION?
If you have swollen joints, you will most likely need a prescription from your doctor. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation that requires stronger medications.
However, some over-the-counter medications can help relieve joint swelling. For example, you can purchase Advil and Asprin from your local store if you are experiencing joint inflammation.
Even so, you may decide to opt for less artificial medicine and learn more natural ways to help. Read on to find out how you can reduce joint inflammation naturally.
CHANGE YOUR DIET
Additionally, there are some foods to avoid eating to reduce inflammation risk, and there are some foods to consume. According to recent studies, omega-3 Fatty Acids found in foods and supplements help reduce joint inflammation. You can also boost your Omega-3 levels by eating plant-based sources such as ground flax and walnuts.
START MOVING MORE
When you have joint inflammation, you may wish to limit the amount of movement you do daily. However, avoiding all motions that cause discomfort will make things worse.
Moving too little can weaken your muscles, resulting in joint pain and affecting your posture, which can trigger a slew of more problems. Despite quick fixes like pain relievers and hot packs, these are merely temporary solutions.
A set of exercises that targets the right area can be a long-lasting way to ease joint swelling pain. Exercises for joint pain relief may also make it possible to postpone surgery.
This can be accomplished by strengthening the muscles supporting a problem joint and restoring its flexibility. As time goes on, you may find that the limitations you have learned to work around will ease.
Exercises that are great for strengthening muscles and targeting joint pain include yoga which can easily be carried out at home and is suitable for almost everyone. The Buddalife Biocrystal Yoga Mat allows you to carry out your yoga routine in comfort but it also allows you to feel the powerful benefits from the biocrystal technology integrated into the matt. These benefits include a reduction in muscle tension which can help ease inflammation.
TRY CBD OIL FOR JOINT INFLAMMATION
CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant. The oil may reduce inflammation and reduce pain for some people. According to some research, CBD oil may be beneficial for pain relief and joint inflammation.
Among many recent studies that examine CBD as a treatment option, one study found it safe and beneficial for people suffering from Osteoarthritis. In humans, CBD exerts its effect on pain and inflammation receptors. Also, CBD could block specific receptors in the body that increase levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid.
Scientists say that CBD may affect how this receptor responds to signals, helping to reduce joint inflammation and reduce the accumulation of joint fluid. Current findings suggest that CBD oil is an effective treatment for arthritis, but more studies need to confirm this.
Always consult a trusted physician before adding CBD into your diet.
USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR JOINT PAIN TREATMENT
If you’re tired of using prescription medication or over-the-counter ones to reduce swelling of the joints, you can try using essential oils.
Aromatherapy engages your sense of smell and promotes equilibrium in your body by utilizing essential oils. As a result, aromatherapy users often feel relaxed, less stressed, and more comfortable after using it.
Research also shows the use of essential oils can help with swelling joints and arthritis. Below are some of the oils that help reduce inflammation in the joints:
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Turmeric Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Orange Essential Oil
- Ginger Essential Oil
Patients sometimes use essential oils along with medications and other therapies prescribed by their doctors. Despite the need for further research, certain oils appear to relieve some arthritis symptoms.
TRY ACUPUNCTURE OR SEE A MASSAGE THERAPIST
The Chinese tradition of acupuncture dates back thousands of years. Acupuncturists manipulate the body by inserting fine needles into pressure points. The treatment is to help increase blood flow and relax the body.
Research also shows promises of acupuncture in reducing joint inflammation. For example, many doctors approve of acupuncture in reducing joint swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
An acupuncture needle can be placed anywhere on the body. However, you don’t always have acupuncture points set where you feel pain; instead, your acupuncturist will identify pressure points.
You might have needles inserted in your legs, knees, arms, or shoulders. The stimulation of these points may reduce inflammation, trigger endorphin production, and result in relaxation.
If you dislike the idea of inserting needles into your body, researchers also approve of seeing a massage therapist for joint inflammation. During an eight-week trial, knee osteoarthritis patients who received a weekly massage experienced significant improvements in pain and mobility.
You can also perform deep tissue messages on yourself with the Buddalife Yoga Message Balls that provide you with deep levels of muscle relaxation. Massage balls are used by various different athletes to heal inflammation and relieve pain caused by workouts.
Not only do massage balls help to relieve muscle tension, they also promote muscle strength due to the physical pressure and stretching of the muscle which helps to improve the mobility and health of the muscle itself, particularly the muscles in your legs and back.
TRY VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS TARGETED AT INFLAMMATION
Today people are looking for alternative ways to reduce pain and joint inflammation. One of the alternative methods for reducing joint swelling is vitamins and supplements rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
Buddahealth offers anti-inflammatory supplements such as the Buddahealth Himalayan Shilajit which is a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent as it is rich in fulvic acid, humic acid, magnesium, iron, and zinc, or you could try the Buddahealth Mushroom Blend which can lower levels of inflammation.
Always consult a physician before adding supplements to your diet.
Make sure to follow Buddalife for more tips and tricks on how to reduce inflammation and how to deal with inflammation.