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Joint pain is more than just an inconvenience. It can severely affect your range of motion and quality of life. Arthritis is often used as an umbrella term to refer to any joint-related disorder. Although arthritis affects mostly older people, young people can be affected as well. Causes of joint issues range from autoimmune reactions to improper diets. Some forms of arthritis may also be the result of diseases or infections such as psoriasis or lupus. The following are the common types of joint issues.

Types of Joint Issues

Osteoarthritis is the most frequently-experienced type of arthritis. It is the type of arthritis that is associated most with the elderly. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that coats the surface of the joints wears down, removing the cushioning between your bones. The bare bones of the joint rub together and cause pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility. Sometimes, osteoarthritis can be caused by an injury that leads to cartilage damage.

Gout is a complex form of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals (crystals made of uric acid) accumulate in the joints, especially in the big toe. Uric acid is produced naturally by the body to break down purines and is normally excreted in the urine. When there is a uric acid build-up in the body, needlelike urate crystals form around the joints. These crystals cause extreme pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joint and its surrounding tissue.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by illness instead of injury. It is considered an autoimmune disease and a chronic inflammatory disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks the lining of the joints, often leading to permanent joint and bone damage. People with rheumatoid arthritis experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in their joints and can feel fatigued and unwell.

Juvenile arthritis covers many types of arthritis experienced by children under the age of 16. According to the Arthritis Foundation, almost 300,000 kids and teens in the US suffer from juvenile arthritis. Researchers are still trying to determine the causes of juvenile arthritis, but they believe that the key lies in certain genetic factors. As juvenile arthritis is distinct from other types of arthritis, some rheumatologists specialize in treating children.

How to Maintain Healthy Joints

Unfortunately, it is difficult to control the factors that cause rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis. However, we can take measures to lower the risks of osteoarthritis and gout. Many of our lifestyle factors add to our vulnerability to these two types of arthritis. Here are some ways that you can ensure that your joints stay healthy and mobile.

Good Diet

Some foods contain substances that are essential for joint health. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and is important for the synthesis of joint cartilage. Calcium is crucial for bone health and vitamin D vital for the proper absorption of calcium. Choose a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, and leafy vegetables. Avoid processed foods that contain refined sugar or carbohydrates.

While omega-3 oils have also been found to support healthy joints, people susceptible to gout should avoid the types of seafood that are high in purine. Alcohol intake should also be limited to a minimum to prevent gout. A good diet also prevents you from becoming overweight as excess weight places unwanted stress on your body.

Supplements

There are many vitamins for joint health that can help you to supplement your dietary regime. Substances such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) are widely used to prevent premature cartilage breakdown and repair damaged cartilage. Some vitamins contain components that reduce pain and inflammation as well, helping you to achieve better mobility. However, do note that the quality of vitamins can vary. Choose supplements with high-quality, clinically-supported ingredients in effective doses for the best results.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise has numerous benefits that extend beyond preventing arthritis. Physical activity improves your overall physical and mental health and helps you to maintain an ideal weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, depending on their physical condition. Many low-impact exercises can help with mobility. For instance, cycling, tai chi, and yoga can help you to increase the range of motion in your joints without being too strenuous.

Strength Training

In addition to general exercise, the CDC recommends that adults spend at least two days a week strengthening their muscles. Strength training helps you to build muscles that support your joints, especially when the cartilage is wearing down. When undertaking strength training, be sure to choose workouts that are suitable for your level of fitness. If you already suffer from some form of arthritis, seek advice from an experienced trainer to ensure that you can build strength without adding strain on your joints.

While it can be tough to completely avoid any joint pain, particularly as we get older, we can do our best to minimize the risk factors. Through regular exercise and consuming a balanced diet, you can invest in healthy joints and be rewarded with a more active and enjoyable future.