Joint Pain

Joint pain can be caused by more than 160 different conditions . No matter the cause, it can be really distracting and hamper our daily activities. According to the American National Institutes of Health, approximately 37 million Americans suffer from some type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (the degeneration of cartilage that connects bone joints) is already one of the ten most disabling diseases in developed countries and can afflict anyone over age 40, but more typically after age 70. About 80% of those with osteoarthritis will have limitations in movement, and 25% cannot perform their major daily activities of life*.
All elements of the joint cavity in general, and cartilage in particular, normally protect the joint, allowing smooth movement and cushioning pressure on the joint-for example, when walking. In arthritis, due to different causes that produce inflammation, cartilage gets damaged. This produces excess friction between bones and other sensitive structures, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis:

Can develop anytime after age 40 but commonly developed around the age of 70. World Health (WHO) estimates are that 9.6% of men and 18.0% of women aged over 60 years have symptomatic osteoarthritis*.

Generally speaking, affected joints are those supporting the body weight, such as hips or knees and fingers, especially if they are over-used for daily activities such as sewing, carrying bags or writing.

Unlike other types of arthritis, joints are not swollen or reddish, but pain is strong and movement is limited.

Tips for preventing and relieving joint pain:

Eat a healthy diet to revitalize joints: research suggest that vitamin C and other antioxidants might help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.*

Always use your bigger joints to carry heavy objects: for instance, use your arms, instead of your hands, to lift and move large items.

Excess weight may worsen joint damage and makes it more difficult to recover. For your joints sake, keep your weight suitable for your body type, height, gender and age.

Vary the way you do different tasks, to avoid using the same joints all the time.

Once you are in pain, Aspirin® not only relieves it but, taken under doctor's direction, also fights underlying inflammation involved in joint damage.