How to help joint pain sufferers get back to life

It can be incredibly frustrating to watch a partner, friend or family member suffer the heartbreak of wanting to live life to the full, but being burdened with something that just gets in the way. It’s even more frustrating when you know that there may be something that can be done to help.

Osteoarthritis can be particularly challenging. The pain of inflammation can make even basic day-to-day activities a struggle, discouraging social activities that help us stay healthy and happy in the years ahead. 

If you know somebody with this condition, rest assured there are ways they can improve their quality of life. Some gentle encouragement from the people they trust can go a long way in getting them started.

Breaking the vicious cycle of joint pain

It is well recognised that being more active helps us feel better – mentally and physically.

However, day-to-day pain can make even the simplest of activities an uphill battle.  The secret is to start low and slow. But first we have to break the vicious cycle – we know being active will help relieve the pain, but the pain prevents us from being active.

The first step we need to take is to start at the cause: relieve the inflammation that causes pain. When we begin to enjoy some pain relief , we can start to become more active. That doesn’t mean marathons, it simply means taking some bearable, manageable steps to a heathier happier life.

A natural anti-inflammatory is essential for treating inflammation every day. Pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories can be very helpful for acute flare-ups (really bad days) but daily use can result in some very unpleasant side effects. Nagestic Osteo is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help manage pain and inflammation every day. With natural ingredients derived from turmeric, it can ease the pain from day to day and reduce inflammation without the risk of side effects of prescribed treatments.

Nagestic Osteo is widely available in pharmacies throughout Australia – no prescription needed – making it one of the quickest and easiest ways you can help get your loved one on the road to recovery. Click here to learn more, click here to order online, or simply stop by your nearest pharmacy.

Other great natural anti-inflammatories include nuts like almonds and walnuts, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, green leafy vegetables and ginger.

Why moving matters

Without regular physical activity, the symptoms are only likely to worsen. For example, a lack of activity can weaken muscles, putting extra strain on the joints. But the benefits of activity are many:

• Strengthen muscles to help support joints
• Maintain bone strength to help prevent osteoporosis
• Give you more energy to get through the day
• Helps us get a good night’s sleep
• Help us manage our weight

It can be hard to get started, but we don’t have to go it alone.

Try joining regular group activities such as walking or group exercise classes. Pool activities are a great way to give the body some exercise without the strain of body weight.

By making this activity comfortable, social and routinely scheduled, the biggest barriers to entry are lowered. It can become an enjoyable part of the week rather than a necessary chore.

Encourage healthy eating

Even the smallest change in what we eat and drink can make a difference. One study found that a 10% reduction in weight could mean 50% less pain. For many, this understanding can be an incredible motivation to push forward.

The choice of food can also make a vital difference. Among the most important ingredients we can consume are omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats (found in fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and herring, as well as certain fruits and nuts) can reduce inflammation, improve the body’s absorption of calcium, and help prevent further bone and tissue damage moving forward.

While these are available as supplements, nutritionists believe there are significant benefits to getting it through food, because we also get the other nutritional benefits.

Do you have someone you care for who suffers from osteoarthritis or joint pains? What challenges have you faced in helping them? Share your story in the comments below.

Click here to learn more about Nagestic Osteo’s natural, long-term osteoarthritis treatment, click here to order online, or simply pay a visit to your local pharmacy.