Do you know Joint pain is so common?

By / 30th December, 2015 / Joint Health / No Comments

Joints are the connections between bones, providing structural and functional support to help us move. Any degenerative change or damage to the joints can interfere with proper movement and cause a lot of pain.

Joint pain is extremely common and, as you get older, it becomes increasingly more common. According to Public Health Agency of Canada (2010), 4.5 million, or one in six Canadians aged 15 years and older, report having joint pain.

By 2031, approximately seven million Canadians (one in five) are expected to have joint pain. Many different conditions can lead to painful joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, strains, sprains, and other injuries. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. More than 10 per cent of Canadian adults are affected by this condition (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010a).

관절염

Joint pain can range from mildly irritating to debilitating. It may last a few weeks (acute), or, for several weeks or months (chronic). It is very important to know that even short-term pain and swelling in the joints can affect quality of life in dramatic ways.

One of the best known ways people choose to manage pain is over-the-counter or prescription, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, care must be taken when using these medicines. NSAIDs and acetaminophen can have adverse side effects that can potentially increase the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and liver damage (ConsumerReports, 2013).

Much research has indicated that natural supplements can prevent and help with joint pain, thereby improving function. Glucosamine sulfate is the most well-known substance. It is a component of normal cartilage. It helps cushion the bones and protect joints. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not have any significant side effects and therefore is safe for all ages.


Leave a Comment