A Pain In The Joint

by Jon Fiume
August 15, 2005

As we are coming of age so are our joints. We feel it, those slight aches and pains that for some reason were just not there a few years ago. We may even say that we are more sensitive to the change of weather. Or we may find ourselves reflecting on a past event that seemed so trivial at the time but now we have found it to be traumatic. And during all of this the thought never crosses our mind on how much we sound like our parents! Nevertheless, the joint pain arrives and we look toward the much popular over the counter pain relievers to provide us with quick relief or for the mighty we just suffer through it and wear it like a badge.

Either way there are some natural considerations that may not only assist in pain relief but provide some prevention as well. I begin with the most popular of the bunch Glucosamine Sulfate or GS. It's intended use if your parents or grandparents have not already told you is to help with the pain. However, GS has some other important roles including preventing further joint degeneration as well as assisting with the rebuilding of joint cartilage two key components in maintaining joint health. Keep in mind however that it can take a few months to kick in.

Chondroitin is another popular consideration with similar mechanisms of action as GS. However, many feel that it works better with GS versus alone. In addition, you may want to begin with GS before moving to a combination with Chondroitin.

Yet another part of the joint supporting family, Methyl Sulfonyl Methane or MSM (sometimes referred to as sulfur) may help to relieve joint pain, act as an anti-inflammatory, and provide benefit during allergy season. Like Chondroitin you may find it alone or combined with GS. MSM does not cause the same allergic reaction to those people who have allergies to sulfa drugs. These are two different things. Women take notice that you may actually see nail and hair growth while taking MSM.

Next on the list are the good old essential fatty acids or EFA's. As mentioned in a previous article, EFA's help to increase the production of good prostaglandins, hormones that prohibit the inflammation response. Also, you cannot forget their other benefits from being heart healthy, brain healthy, and skin healthy. Bottom line you cannot go wrong with the good fats!

On the homeopathic side you may want to consider arnica. Arnica may be taken internally as pellets that dissolve under the tongue or topically to help relieve pain in the joints. Arnica is also good for muscle soreness that often times accompanies joint stiffness. The greatest thing about arnica and other over the counter homeopathics is that they virtually have no side effects, virtually no interactions with other medications, and they are affordable.

Yet again I remind you to practice proactive prevention especially when it comes to the joints. Eventually as we age we will start to feel the changes. But if we consider what we can do to embrace those changes with a wellness oriented mind we may be surprised that when we reach those 60's, 70's, and hopefully 80's we can still run a few miles without the pain. Embrace!

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.