|
 We
have to MOVE to LIVE. Nothing adversely impacts quality of life quite like
unhealthy joints! At first you notice small things - your knees creak when you
go up stairs, your shoulder jolts in pain as you go reach for something high in
a kitchen cabinet. Given the multitude of ways we use our joints—and depend on
them—in our daily life, it is in your best interest to keep them healthy. Your
joints are located anywhere in your body where bones connect. They are
protected by cartilage and a lubricating fluid that allows bones to slide
against each other painlessly. When joints move properly, your muscles and
ligaments function optimally and painlessly. However, when joints do not work
properly a host of problems may follow. When the cartilage becomes
roughened the friction between bones can cause stiffness, swelling and pain. If
the dysfunction is not addressed appropriately lasting damage can occur.
When do joint problems usually begin?
Joint problems generally begin to manifest in the second and third
decades. General medical opinion indicates that by age 40 most people will have
some damage to the weight bearing joints of the ankles, knees, hips and spine.
Most individuals, however, are unaware of the joint damage because they are
symptom-free at this point. If preventative measures are not taken to maintain
healthy joints, severe joint damage may occur resulting in pain that can hamper
quality of life. Currently this damage is most evident in the
population by age 70.
Fortunately, science is now
focusing in areas other than "traditional Western medicine" and real therapeutic
potential is being discovered in many herbs, chemical compounds and other
substances sold as "dietary supplements". If you are tempted to try a joint
supplement you are not alone. Whether you are interested in all things
"natural", want to avoid side effects from prescription drugs, or want to
explore other areas in your quest for pain relief, you are set to join the 64
percent of Med Health Reports readers who have used a dietary
supplement in the past six months. That 64 percent is compared to only 7 percent
for the general population.
How do you choose a product?
Despite their popularity - not all joint supplements are created
equally. Why? Many times it is hard to differentiate one product from the next
- that is unless you have done your homework. According to Jason Theodosakis,
M.D., a world renowned physician and leading expert in the fields of sports
medicine and joint health, "There are important factors, such as the quality of
raw materials purchased and the level of manufacturing sophistication, that
create a pretty wide spectrum regarding the purity and potency of dietary
supplements that support joint health." Because of the many components
contributing to products marketed for joint health, we here at Med Health
Reports scrutinized the most current, comprehensive and well-respected
supplement and herb information sources; interviewed top researchers at
supplement companies; and reviewed and distilled the most current scientific
research in order to assess joint products currently marketed. The outcome
indicates that many products marketed lack the key ingredients necessary to even
positively improve joint function. See our evaluation below displaying the
products that we feel are your best options for maintaining healthy joint
support.
In addition to supplementation there are some other ways
to keep your joints healthy, including the following:
Manage your weight
You won't just look better - you'll feel better, too.
Carrying even one extra pound and you are unnecessarily putting four
times the stress on your knees and other weight bearing joints. The good
news is that even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees
much needed relief.
Stretch
Stretching isn't just for runners. Take breaks throughout the day to get
reinvigorated. Proper range of motion exercises are a good way to keep
your muscles and ligaments limber and strong.
Pay the doctor a yearly visit
See your physician for a routine check-up on a yearly basis. You should
request a complete examination of your joints - from head to toe.
Use good technique
When sitting, standing, and especially when lifting, using proper
technique will prevent fatigue and most certainly minimize the risk of
injury.
Remember, it is never too late to
incorporate these elements into your daily regimen. They can directly
improve your health, outlook or pain level, and make life with joint
pain a little bit easier.
|
SIGN UP FOR FREE
