Joint pain, tendonitis, and arthritis affect millions of people across the U.S. And while many of the things that trigger the pain associated with these conditions are easy to pinpoint, there are others that will likely surprise you.
Joints in the human body are made up of living tissue. As a result, joint health can be affected by a wide range of factors going on both inside and outside of the body.
Read on to find out a few surprising possible causes of your aching joints.
Stress
Your mood, mental wellness, and overall stress level can have a large impact on your pain threshold. Studies show that stress can affect the degree of your joint pain and how well you are able to cope with it.
Possible Solution: Dealing effectively with stress and anxiety can help to melt away joint aches. Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and remember to take time out of each day to relax.
Low Vitamin D Levels
Lower levels of sunlight, especially during the winter months, have been linked to Vitamin D deficiency. Healthy levels of Vitamin D are vital for bone and muscle health so that the tissues which support the joints remain healthy.
Possible Solution: Take a Vitamin D supplement daily, especially during darker months of the year. Taking between 10-20 micrograms per day is a safe and healthy level. Look for supplements supplying Vitamin D3, as they are more effective in maintaining blood Vitamin D levels than the Vitamin D2 form.
Menopause
Women often start to notice joint aches and pains around the time of the menopause. The reason? Estrogen plays an important part in keeping tissue healthy, as well as maintaining the flexibility of the ligaments that stabilize joints.
As estrogen levels fall during menopause, joints may become weaker and less flexible. This can interfere with the working of the joint, putting stresses and strains on the tissues causing pain.
Possible Solution: Research suggests that estrogen replacement therapy can help to slow this decline.
Sitting
Low activity levels, office jobs in which you sit most of the day, and the natural aging process can all lead to stiffness and degeneration of soft tissues in the body. Because of this, when you do use your joints, they can feel uncomfortable and painful, (making you even less likely to want to exercise!).
Possible Solution: Research clearly indicates that keeping joints in motion on a regular basis is one of the best ways to ease joint and tendon discomfort. Regular activity also helps to strengthen the muscles and ligaments that support and protect your joints.
Weight Gain
Being overweight or obese is a major contributor to the development and progression of joint pain and arthritis because it causes increased pressure in the knees joints. Body fat also increases inflammation, which can increase pain and swelling, as well.
Possible Solution: To keep your weight at a healthy level, eat a balanced diet which includes fresh fruit, lean proteins, vegetables, and wholegrains. It’s also a good idea to limit your portion sizes.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Nothing beats a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet to help maintain joint and tendon health. However, for many people who experience advanced joint depletion and swelling, the pain can be difficult to manage. For these individuals, FDA-approved PRP treatment has been proven to reduce joint pain and improve quality of life. Call PRP Regeneration Specialists today to learn more (352) 260-4061.