New Ross Standard

Do you hear creaking joints? Don’t ignore it

- WITH CLAIR WHITTY Clair Whitty is a Bach Flower Practition­er, a Nutritiona­l Health Coach at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street, Wexford 053 9121613 | clair@naturalhea­lthstore.ie | www.naturalhea­lthstore.ie

DO you hear creaking or cracking sounds in your joints when you move about? This could be one of the first symptoms and sign of developing osteoarthr­itis. This creaking and joint cracking can be something you joke about at first. But don’t ignore it.

Osteoarthr­itis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Although osteoarthr­itis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects the joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine. If left untreated it can lead to loss of joint movement. Bones spurs can develop causing further pain. So why wait until you need a hip or knee replacemen­t? If you notice any discomfort take measures now.

Common signs include creaking and cracking sounds in the joints, or pain and stiffness that often gets worse as the day goes on. The disease can have a slow onset with only mild problems to begin with.

It can be caused by overuse – repetitive strain. Are wearing the wrong shoes, which cause structural problems, or do you have bad posture? An old injury may end up causing you problems later in life. If you’re carrying excess weight it can put pressure on your joints. And ageing is a contributi­ng factor. Diet will have an impact too.

Eat a diet that is fresh and varied. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and gluten. Dairy and animal products are associated with increasing inflammati­on so keep this to a minimum.

Ideally you need to prevent further damage to joints and keep inflammati­on under control.

Revive Active Joint Complex is one of my favourite products to help with joint problems. It contains a unique mix including collagen to support cartilage, and glucosamin­e sulphate to help reduce inflammati­on and prevent further damage. Hyaluronic acid is included to maintain the health of the synovial tissue that surrounds joints. MSM supports connective tissue including muscle and ligaments.

For added help with inflammati­on you can add in Flexofytol, an extract of turmeric — nature’s natural anti-inflammato­ry.

Your main objective is to prevent further damage to your joints, reduce inflammati­on, and improve the quality of your life.

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