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Joint pains can also be caused by repetitive
use, in sports or work; structural problems, like osteoarthritis; or
inflammatory conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis. |
Our joints allow our bodies to move in ways
that allow us to do the simplest of actions like walking or typing on our
phones and computers, and also perform complicated motions such as those
required in dancing and playing sports. This crucial role of our joints in
movement means that they are subjected to continuous wear and tear, so it’s no
surprise that we sometimes feel like our ankles, wrist, or knees are hurting.
In addition to the usual wear-and-tear,
joint pains can also be caused by repetitive use, in sports or certain tasks
at work; structural problems, like
osteoarthritis; or inflammatory conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis. LifeFood, the natural food supplement
brand of UNILAB, lists down some of
the common conditions that could be making our joints creak and ache.
Osteoarthritis. Getting older is one of the factors that causes joint discomfort,
especially in the areas that bear the brunt of our weight like the hips and
knees. This is because the gel-like protective cartilage that helps support and
cushion the joints and bones can break down over time due to constant wear and
tear. This condition is called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease and
affects millions of Filipinos.
Gout. Gout
is another cause of joint pain: uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint
space causing damage and inflammation. This condition is greatly affected by
one’s lifestyle: eating too much protein like red meat, drinking alcohol or
sugar-loaded drinks especially those with high-fructose corn syrup,
dehydration, and being overweight are among some of the factors that lead to
increased uric acid levels. Certain types of medications can also increase
one’s chances of getting gout and experiencing joint pain. Considered as one of
the most painful types of arthritis, gout symptoms include pain, swelling,
redness of the involved joint or joints; typically the first attack happens in
the big toe.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Another type of inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, an
autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system attacks membranes around the
joints. It’s characterized by tender, swollen joints and feeling stiff in the
morning. It can also be accompanied by fever, tiredness, or unexplainable
weight loss or loss of appetite. In addition to affecting the joints,
rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the skin, lungs, and heart.
Old injuries. Old injuries especially in the tendons, ligaments, or bones, can also
cause joint pain which can sometimes become chronic. Trauma to a joint can
change its biomechanics and structure in ways that make it more prone to
increased wear and tear compared to a non-injured joint.
Whatever the root cause, problems in the
joints can be debilitating: the limitation of movements keeps us from doing our
jobs or tasks, and the pain impacts our quality of life. Internal medicine
specialist and functional medicine practitioner Eca Lorenzo, MD, FPCP shares that there are different ways to
address joint pain depending on its cause, but managing inflammation is
definitely an important part of treatment.
“Whatever the cause of joint pain there is
usually inflammation involved, that’s what causes the pain. Inflammation is our
body’s natural response to injury or infection, it’s part of the healing
process. Unfortunately, it can become chronic and when that happens it starts
to cause damage instead,” Dr. Lorenzo explains. “We can curb chronic
inflammation by living a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, and
following a diet that’s loaded with colorful fruits, vegetables, and whole
grains that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.”
She adds that one of the foods that people
with achy joints can turn to is turmeric, also known as luyang dilaw. “Turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that’s
well-researched for its anti-inflammatory properties and known for reducing
joint pain and swelling. Various studies have shown that it benefits those with
diseases that are caused by some sort of inflammation like arthritis,” the
doctor points out.
One of the products offered by LifeFood is LifeFood
Curcumin that has a concentrated dose of curcuminoids extracted from
turmeric. Considered as a natural pain reliever, it comes in a capsule form
that can be taken 2-3 times a day, or as directed by a health professional.
Unlike the usual luyang dilaw
offerings in the market, LifeFood delivers 29x better absorption through a
technology that ensures the body gets the optimal effects in every capsule.
Joint problems, in some cases, may be
inevitable, but the pain that comes with it is highly manageable. With a healthy
lifestyle and solutions like LifeFood
Curcumin, we can get relief from pain so we can move more, and live life to
the fullest!
Follow @LifeFoodPH on Facebook and Instagram for health info and
life-enriching tips. Get to know more about LifeFood at lifefood.com.ph.
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