Friday, 18th May 2012

Soreness

Introduction – Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation.  The joint is the area wherein two or more bones connect together.  It is also composed of tissues that support the connection between the bones.  Arthritis is a result when something goes wrong with the joint, causing inflammation, pain, and mobility difficulties.

Common Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is common among elderly people, but it can occur in men and women of all ages.  About 37 million people in America suffer from some kind of arthritis. [1] The causes depend on the type of arthritis.  The most common ones include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.  The cartilage is the connective tissue that serves as a cushion between the bones.  When the cartilage breaks down, the bones tend to collide and rub on each other, causing pain, swelling, and motion difficulties.  The degeneration of cartilage can be attributed to being overweight, joint injuries, age, and heredity.  It usually affects the hand, knees, hips, and lower back.

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the inflammation of the synovium.  Synovium is the lining of the joints that produces synovial fluid to help reduce friction.  The swelling of the synovial lining can result to bone and joint deformities that cause pain and affect a person’s mobility.   This type of arthritis commonly affects the wrists and fingers, and is more common in women than in men.  The exact causes remain unknown, but there are several factors that might contribute to rheumatoid arthritis including genes and environmental factors.

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood.  It is characterized by acute swelling, pain, redness, and stiffness of the joints.  Sudden gout attacks usually occur at night.  Too much build up of uric acid can result from your diet or when the body is unable to eliminate enough.

Arthritis Prevention

There are several ways to reduce your chances of developing arthritis.  Preventive measures are a combination of lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet.  Here are some tips that will be helpful in the prevention of arthritis.

  • Be aware.  Know the causes/risk factors for arthritis.  If you suffer from any of the arthritis symptoms for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor immediately.
  • Exercise regularly.  This will strengthen the muscles around the joints and also increase your flexibility.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.  Eat foods that are rich in vitamin D and calcium to strengthen the bones.   Avoid too much junk and sugar in your diet.
  • Take supplements for your joints.  Experts say that glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and boron are good for the joints.
  • Maintain an ideal weight.  Being overweight will increase the pressure on your joints.
  • Protect your joints.  Avoid activities that will put too much strain on your joints.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.  Cigarettes and alcohol can weaken the bone structure.
  • Drink lots of water.  This will help in the lubrication of your joints.

Arthritis Treatment

Treatment for arthritis depends on the type of arthritis.  An accurate diagnosis will more likely result to successful treatments.    There is no cure for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Treatments focus on minimizing pain and improving joint functionality by reducing inflammation.  These include medications, dietary supplements, physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help with pain and inflammation.  Corticosteroids also alleviate inflammation.  Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are popular alternative therapies that have been known to relieve symptoms relating to arthritis.  Natural remedies such as exercise, proper diet, therapy and relaxation can also be practiced in conjunction with other treatments to maximize efficiency of treatment.

There are a wide variety of treatments available today.  It is most important to have the condition properly diagnosed in order to receive effective treatment.  Consult a medical expert before taking any kind of medication.

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain, medically known as myalgia, is pain in a muscle or in multiple muscles. Every person experiences muscle pain at some point in their lives. It develops from stress, tension, overuse, or injuries on a muscle or a group of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia due to physically demanding activities. It may also be a symptom of diseases such as fibromyalgia, influenza, and lupus. Certain drugs such as ACE inhibitors and statins can also cause muscle pain.

Muscle Pain Remedies

Soreness is usually not a serious medical condition. It typically goes away within 1 to 3 days even without treatment. Muscle pains due to overuse or injuries can be remedied right at the comfort of your own home. Here are some home care tips that can help:

• Apply ice to the sore area to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Apply pressure by gently massaging the affected area.
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin will reduce pain and inflammation.
• Avoid heat because this can cause more swelling.
• Do stretches when your muscles feel sore.
• Exercise regularly to restore muscle tone.

Preventing Pain and Soreness

Muscle pains are generally harmful but they can be very uncomfortable and may even limit your physical activities. Here are some tips that will help you avoid muscle pain:

• Warm up before engaging in strenuous physical activities.
• Don’t forget to cool down for a few minutes after a workout or a strenuous physical activity to avoid buildup of lactic acid.
• Drink plenty of water, especially after physical activities. Dehydration can also cause muscle soreness.
• Get enough calcium to avoid muscle cramps.
• Do some stretching regularly to increase flexibility and avoid injuries.
• Do not physically overwork yourself. It is also important to slow down instead of stopping suddenly.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen muscles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Soreness

1.   Can I also use Soreness No More for back pain and other types of pain?

Yes, Soreness No More is intended to ease painful arthritis and muscular aches.  It contains natural ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in relieving muscle and joint pains.

2.   Is Soreness No More a replacement for pain relief medications such as Acetaminophen and NSAIDs?

No, Soreness No More is not intended to replace pain relief medications.  It is a homeopathic medication that is an alternative treatment to help ease muscle and joint pains.  Soreness No More is a topical medication that can be used in conjunction with pain medication.

3.   I get joint paints on my knees usually after playing sports, is this arthritis?

Joint pains are a symptom of arthritis.  Other symptoms include pain and difficulty in moving.  It is best to consult your doctor in order to properly diagnose your problem and get effective treatment.

4.   What is the best way to deal with arthritis?

Treatment for arthritis depends on the type of arthritis.  An accurate diagnosis will more likely result to successful treatments.    There is no cure for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Treatments focus on minimizing pain and improving joint functionality by reducing inflammation.  These include medications, dietary supplements, physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Work with your doctor in determining the best treatment options for the type of arthritis you have.

References:

  1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001243.htm