Around 15 million Americans suffer from what they describe as severe pain in their joints, although the number of people with aching joints is probably much higher. Unfortunately, aching joints are an inevitable result of aging, and the most common cause of pain in the joints is arthritis, of which there are more than 100 types. Arthritis is an inflammation of the body’s joints, caused by normal wear and tear, and it is far more likely to affect people in their 60s or older, although it can affect you at any age, even as a teenager. If you are overweight or a woman, you are statistically more likely to suffer from arthritis.
However, aching joints can also be caused by many other factors. Aches and pains in the joints are commonly caused by spraining or straining the joint, and this can be a result of slipping or falling, excessive physical exercise, or repetitive motion. Fibromyalgia is a long term disorder, often caused by trauma, stress or simply genetics, and affects around 4 million Americans. Aches are also a common symptom of bursitis, a potentially painful condition affecting the tendons, bones and muscles near to your joints. Dislocating the knee, hip or shoulder can also cause joint pain, although the pain is usually only temporary.
Other causes of aching joints include a type of arthritis known as gout, which can cause inflammation and redness, as well as pain in the joints. Tendinitis is caused by repetitive movements, such as typing and although it commonly affects the wrists, it can cause aches and pains, along with mild swelling, on other areas of the body. Diseases such as rickets, Lyme Disease and leukemia can also result in aching joints, and you may also experience aches in your joints if you have lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the body’s immune system. Although bone cancer is not especially common, it can lead to weight loos and broken bones as well as aching joints.
If you have aching joints, the first step is to identify what is causing the issue. Most aches can be treated, although much of the treatment and medication is focused on alleviating the pain, rather than removing the cause. There is no actual cure for arthritis, although it is possible to take steps to cope with the pain and reduce its effects. Ibuprofen, aspirin or other over the counter medication can help to relieve minor joint and muscle pain, while more severe arthritic pain can sometimes be treated with steroid injections.
There are also a number of effective home remedies available to treat aching joints. Turmeric, ginger tea and magnesium are all effective in treating aches and pains, as is magnesium and a blend of eucalyptus and peppermint. Exercising is actually one of the best things you can do for your aching joints, and regular exercise can help your joints to move more freely, by helping to lubricate them. For centuries the Chinese have used raw carrots to alleviate aching joints, and including fenugreek seeds and onions in your diet can also help. Drinking plenty of water is healthy anyway, but you can also help to alleviate those aching joints by making sure your daily water intake is what it should be.
Unfortunately a lot of joint pain just cannot be avoided, and along with wrinkled skin and memory loss, it’s one of those signs that you are getting older. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of joint ache and the range of treatments and remedies available can help to alleviate much of the pain and discomfort.
