FAQs About Joint Pain

Find out what causes joint pain and the factors that contribute to this condition. Millions of people are affected by joint pain and arthritis in the United States alone. There are a variety of therapies to offer relief for different problems.

Q: What causes joint pain?

A: Most joint pain comes from the wearing out of cartilage, the smooth, rubbery padding at the end of joints between bones. Lifestyle factors contribute to wear and tear, such as excessive weight and a diet high in fat. The body needs proper PH levels to maintain healthy joints, and diets high in fat cause damaging, acidic pH levels. While a healthy body normally replaces cartilage every six months to one year, proper nutrition is vital to this process.

Q: What makes joints unhealthy?

A: For some individuals, the layer of cartilage thins out and frays as they get older. This lowers the joints ability to function as shock absorbers. As this happens, joints feel inflexible, and moving around is strenuous and painful. Over time, the cartilage deteriorates and the bones rub directly together. Lumps can sometimes form on the bones, and any of these conditions cause discomfort.

Q: What is arthritis?

A: Arthritis refers to over 100 various afflictions causing swelling, pain and limited movement in connective tissue and joints. One out of every six individuals in the United States has some type of arthritis. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which is a condition associated more with pain than with swelling. Medical professionals recommend pain relievers as the therapy of choice for this.

Q: What nutrients are good for joints?

A: Joints need sulfur, and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), is a natural source of this. Other joint-nourishing ingredients include Vitamin C, ginger, White Willow bark, Chondroitin and Glucosamine complex.