Joint problems and arthritis can affect every athlete, from golfer to swimmer to ironman. It is best to determine the trigger for the problem rather than mask the pain with drugs. I always use a holistic approach to healing and try to determine the underlying cause of the infliction – whether it be from injury, chronic use, diet or lifestyle. In most cases inflammation is the cause.

 
Most people don't believe arthritis can be prevented because there's a common perception that joint cartilage (the cushioning that covers the bones in a joint) simply wears away with age. But actually joint cartilage wears away with inflammation with is a normal healing process. But if the inflammatory response does not shut off and becomes chronic, it can not only affect joints, but blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis), lining cells of the gut (as in lactose and gluten intolerance), and contribute to diseases like diabetes, cancer, strokes and other illnesses.
 
If you can prevent chronic inflammation you can prevent joint problems. Even if you already have arthritis reducing the amount of inflammation in your system will help relieve your symptoms and give you more freedom of movement - sometimes within weeks or days. Highly movable joints such as the wrists, fingers, shoulders, hips, and knees, are the most likely to be affected by osteoarthritis. These are called "synovial joints" because the two bones meeting in this type of joint are bathed in synovial, a clear fluid whose job is to provide lubrication. Sometimes, though, the membrane that secretes the synovial becomes inflamed. According to Dr. Vijaya Nair, “when an avalanche of inflammatory chemicals gets released, those inflammatory chemicals wear away joint cartilage. The first step in any program to combat arthritis and joint problems isn't to stop the pain, it's to stop the inflammation.” 

 

Doctors can prescript anti-inflammatory drugs, but there are healthier ways to combat inflammation. I advise people to alter there diet to include foods such as: olive oil, cod, salmon, sardines, kale, ginger, bok choy, mushrooms, avocados, cranberries, apples, cinnamon, almonds just to name a few. Avoiding sugar, processed foods, polyunsaturated oils that contain little omega-3’s, and for some people, gluten and diary. Hormone-laden meat can also trigger an inflammatory response as can pesticides and chemical ingredients in foodstuffs. Stress is probably the biggest factor because the chemical reaction our bodies create to stressors lowers our immune response and allows inflammation to run unchecked.
 
In addition I recommend a simple list of supplements that I have seen create an effective treatment. Probably the easiest, most effective anti-inflammatory supplement is curcumin. But be careful because not all curcumin is effective. I have researched different supplements and can recommend specific brands to my client. It is prudent to take a good plant oil combination made from flax, primrose and sunflower oils. 

 

I have seen remarkable healing when chronic inflammation is reduce. But, each individual’s specific needs should be addressed rather than just suggesting one treatment modality for everyone. The source of the pain must also be determined and that is a very individual procedure. Although drugs may make you feel better short term, to regain normal movement we need to get to the root of the problem and we can do that together.

 

 

    Further information on mentioned supplements www.foreveryoungcooperative.com​

 

    "Prevent Cancer, Strokes, Heart Attacks and other Deadly Killers,” Dr. Vijaya Nair, Safe Goods Publishing