Joint pain is a common complaint that many of us experience at some point in our lives. Whether it’s a twinge in the knee after exercising or stiffness in the fingers during the winter months, occasional joint discomfort is often considered a normal part of aging or even the aftereffects of physical activity.
However, there are times when joint pain should not be ignored, as it may signal an underlying issue that requires attention and treatment.
“As we age, we expect a certain niggle here and there, especially after exercising or a change in weather,” explains Selvan Naicker, the brand manager for OsteoEze. “However, when those niggles don’t go away and continue to negatively impact your life, it is time to take action, and get your body and joints moving – pain free.”
Joint pain can be experienced in different ways – achy, sore, throbbing, burning or even a grating sensation – and is more commonly felt in your hands, feet, hips, knees or spine. This pain can come and go with your joints feeling stiff in the morning, but with movement and activity during the day, they may loosen up. However, too much activity could make your pain worse. Severe joint pain can affect the function of your joints and limit your ability to do simple tasks.
The first step is to recognise the signs of joint pain. Naicker suggests looking at the following signs to determine if your joint pain needs some additional care other than a warm compress:
- Duration: Temporary joint pain that resolves on its own within a day or two is usually nothing to worry about. However, if the pain persists for more than a few days or if it recurs frequently, it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
- Intensity: Mild discomfort that comes and goes is one thing, but severe or debilitating joint pain is another matter. Pain that interferes with daily activities, sleep, or mobility should be taken seriously.
- Swelling and Redness: Inflammation around a joint, accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth to the touch, may indicate an inflammatory condition such as arthritis or an acute injury.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving a joint or stiffness that persists for an extended period, especially if it worsens over time, could be a sign of joint damage or degeneration.
“Joint pain can be the symptom of various underlying causes such as arthritis, overuse and repetitive motion, infection, degeneration, injuries and inflammatory conditions,” explains Naicker. Although seeing a doctor for severe joint pain is recommended, using a supplement such as Osteoeze Gold can help with the management of joint wear and tear. Their formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin which work together to help build healthy cartilage, improve mobility by protecting joints, reduce stiffness, inflammation, swelling and pain, and helps to curb cartilage degeneration. This supplement can be added to any lifestyle at any time.
It is important not to ignore joint pain or delay treatment as this can worsen symptoms and cause loss of mobility and long-term joint damage. By paying attention to the signs of joint pain, using a joint protective supplement and seeking medical care when needed, you can lessen the wear and tear of your joints and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
