In 2009 the BBC reported that muscle and joint pain accounted for almost half (49%) of all sick leave in the UK and in Europe. But what is joint pain? And why do we have pain in the joints?
Arthritis
One of the primary causes of aching joints is arthritis, which is a term that can be applied to over 200 hundred separate conditions. Other related conditions include infection (for example flu); Lyme disease; bursitis and tendonitis.
The three most common forms of arthritis based joint pain are:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects the cartilage and adjacent bone surfaces within joints. It is sometimes referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis. The cartilage in usually weight bearing joints (most often the knee and hip) becomes damaged and worn away causing sore joints. The exact reason for this is unknown, although there are some predisposing factors:
- Age - This is thought to be due to a reduced flow of blood to the joints and a slower rate of repair. OA has however been reported in teenagers too.
- Weight - Being overweight places additional strain on the joints
- Genetics - There may be a genetic link to developing OA
- Previous Injury - Injuries to the knee for example can increase the development of OA later in life. This is known as secondary OA.
The symptoms of OA include pain, stiffness in the joints and reduced movement. The achy joints are usually worse in the morning and improve within an hour or so. Inflammation and swelling sometimes also occur.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is one of the most common forms of arthritis and affects around 1 in every 100 people. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a reaction of the nervous system, to a non-existent stimulus. That is, the immune system starts attacking the joints and other parts of the body, although no threat is present.
Rheumatoid arthritis is far most common in women than men and usually starts to appear between the ages of 30 and 50, although younger people are occasionally affected.This form of arthritis within the joint cause’s inflammation of the synovial sheaths and bursae (sacks of fluid which allow smooth movement of muscles/tendons over bone).
During a flare-up the effected person will suffer from painful and stiff joints.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid within the body. Uric acid is a waste product of metabolism (breaking down food to make energy) which is usually excreted by the kidneys. Problems with the function of the kidneys, or high production of uric acid may mean that crystals develop within the joints which cause pain and inflammation.
Risk factors include a diet high in some meats, seafoods and alcohol, particularly beer. Certain medications such as aspirin, niacin, diuretics and chemotherapy may also contribute to the development of gout. It is therefore more common in those who suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cancers as well as diabetes and psoriasis.
The symptoms of gout tend to come on very quickly and then last for around a week before easing off again. They include an intense pain in a joint; the swelling of the joint; the skin may appear red and shiny; there may be peeling or flaking of the skin and the joint may feel itchy.
Gout is most common in the big toe, but may also be present in the heels, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists or fingers.
Gout is managed by relieving the joint pain and treating the condition with both medication and lifestyle changes.
Relieving Joint Pain
There are many supplements that can be used to relieve joint pain. Glucosamine, for example, is an amino acid which is produced naturally in the body which is used in the process of repairing cartilage.
Vitamin deficiency can play a part in arthritis, so it is vital that a nutritious diet is maintained, if this is not possible then taking the correct vitemins can aid the body. Vitamins B5and B6 are good for the reduction of swelling; vitamin C reduces pain and Vitamin E helps ease osteoarthritis pain.
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