Food supplements prevent joint pain. Their beneficial effects can reduce the need for pain relievers.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent degenerative joint diseases. It is characterized by the deterioration of cartilage and consequent inflammation of the synovial membrane. Among the different treatments designed to relieve joint pain, a great option is to take dietary supplements for the joints.
A healthy lifestyle and adequate nutrition, including the intake of food supplements, delay joint problems and slow down their course. It is therefore important to keep in mind those risk factors that we can partly prevent, modify, reduce or treat.
The main symptom is a dense pain felt when using the joint; it increases during the day if you make efforts. Other possible symptoms are:
- Stiffness after rest.
- The crunch of the joint in motion.
- Deformity.
- Swelling or loss of synovial fluid.
Muscle atrophy or muscle contractures may also occur. In the case of osteoarthritis of the spine, it often happens that the nerves, when squeezed, cause pain along all the arms or legs.
Pharmacological treatment of joint pain
Treatment of osteoarthritis is primarily aimed at calming pain and delaying the deterioration of the cartilage. In the later stages, the patient may need to have surgery.
Oral medicines
- Among the drugs used against osteoarthritis we find:
- Fast-acting analgesics such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, or corticosteroids.
- Slow-release drugs, including contradicting sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, diacerein, and hyaluronic acid.
Intra-articular treatment
The most commonly used drugs for intra-articular treatment are hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or slow-release corticosteroids.
Topical administration
The application of ointments, ointments, or gels based on NSAIDs, revulsive plants, contradicting sulfate and hyaluronic acid, as well as thermal patches or hot/cold techniques, is effective as a complementary treatment against pain.
Surgery
- It includes traditional surgery and prosthetic surgery techniques.
- Man with joint problems takes food supplements.
Collagen and hyaluronic acid
They can be used singly or in combination, as well as taken together with lower doses of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or minerals and vitamins.
Thanks to their protective action, these food supplements help prevent and delay the deterioration of cartilage. Their beneficial effect has been shown to reduce the need for NSAID drugs.
Phytotherapy, alone or in combination with one of the listed substances, is also useful for the treatment of mild and moderate symptoms (pain and/or inflammation). Above all, vegetable substances with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action are used:
- Boswellia
- Turmeric
- Harpagophyte
- Ginger
- Willow
- Meadowsweet
Vitamins and nutrients found in joint supplements
Within the group of supplements useful for treating joint pain, we find minerals and vitamins, both nutrients that synthesize collagen. Vitamins C, D, and E and minerals such as magnesium, silicon, and sulfur are involved in several processes of cartilage formation.
Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. For its part, vitamin D participates in the synthesis of proteoglycans, while E improves the protection of cartilage tissue thanks to the increase in chondrocytes
On the other hand, the group of vitamins B (B1, B6, and B12) enhances the effect of analgesics such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatories.
Among the minerals, magnesium is found in the cell membrane and bone structure. It must be properly balanced to calcium, as an imbalance between the two inhibits the synthesis of vitamin D.
Silicon contributes to the synthesis of elastin and collagen. Conversely, sulfur is found in collagen, a protein that forms tendons, cartilages, and ligaments.
Hygiene measures and prevention of joint problems
Different types of joint problems.
In general, it is important to take preventative measures when you experience mild pain or risk factors for joint pain. Among the prevention measures we find:
- Balanced nutrition and maintenance of a healthy weight.
- Consumption of foods rich in collagen and mucopolysaccharides.
- Regular exercise, avoiding high-impact sports.
- Adopt proper postural hygiene and avoid maintaining the same posture for too long.
- Apply heat for chronic pain and cold for acute pain.
- Take food supplements based on nutrients present in cartilage or herbal medicine to reduce discomfort.
Conclusions: food supplements for the joints
Both in the prevention phase and during the mild and moderate stages, food supplements based on collagen and hyaluronic acid, alone or in combination, can improve joint pain.
It is important to always consult your doctor so that he can indicate the most suitable substances for your case.
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