To explain joint inflammation lets start with the basics >>>

So, what is a joint?
Well, a joint is two or more adjoining movable bones, whose adjacent surfaces are covered with a layer of cartilage, surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule made up of ligaments (fibrous, tough tissue). Fluid is secreted by a thin membrane, the synovial membrane, which lines the inside of the joint capsule. In healthy joints, the synovial membrane is thin, the cartilage that covers the bones is smooth, and a thin layer of synovial fluid covers the bone surfaces. When there is damage to any of these areas inflammation begins.

What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the immune system’s first reaction against damage or infection and an extremely effective one at that. During this battle of repair the injured site may become swollen and red as the flow of blood increases to the area. Once the repair has been completed the immune system can put its feet up again. However when the inflammation becomes more constant, low-grade and chronic, the immune system remains revved up. This can lead to exhaustion of the immune system where its ‘off button’ becomes de-sensitized. This in turn leads to pain and damaging inflammation that attacks the joint. This is often the case in arthritis. In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis the body’s immune system improperly identifies the synovial membrane to be ‘foreign’ to the body, inflammation results, and cartilage and tissue around the joints is damaged. The damaged tissue is then replaced with scar tissue, forcing normal spaces within the joints to become narrow and the bones to fuse together. Not a pretty picture overall, and uncomfortable for the sufferer.

So what causes joint inflammation and am I at risk?
The onset of joint inflammation is commonly attributed to physical and mental stress, poor nutrition, food allergies and/or bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the joint.

We are all at risk of developing joint inflammation if we do not look after our health, especially those that use their joints more than the average, such as those in sports. Age is becoming less of a factor in joint inflammation, in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis, there is a rise of sufferers under the age of 40.

How is joint inflammation treated?
There has been a lot of controversy over conventional approaches to reducing inflammation. Perhaps the most commonly used is Acetiminophen, followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen. Despite the popularity of these drugs, there have been questions raised about both their safety and potential damage to other areas of the body.

Over the last decade natural alternatives for relieving pain through inflammatory reduction has come on leaps and bounds. One botanical in particular has been esteemed by practitioners for centuries. Turmeric contains both potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory curcuminoids. These reduce pain by blocking the enzymes that cause inflammation. Clinical trials suggest it is as effective as Cortisone and Phenylbutazone, both commonly used in conventional medicine for the treatment of joint inflammation, but without the side effects. It is also thought to stimulate the production of cortisone from the adrenal glands, which can indirectly aid the healing process.
Other studies have shown Turmeric supplements potential to be greater than that of hydrocortisone, lending itself as a treatment of other inflammatory diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

Other beneficial products for joint support and repair:
• Glucosamine Sulphate: Acts by normalizing cartilage metabolism while stopping its breakdown and lubricating and repairing joint tissue.
• Inflamol™: An effective pain reliever working on the source of pain. Works well in combination with Glucosamine.
• Devil’s Claw: A potent herbal anti-inflammatory can ease and free creaking joints.
• Green Lipped Mussel: Derived from New Zealand shellfish and is also shown to inhibit inflammation in cases of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• MSM: Stabilises the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, tendons and ligaments, reducing scar tissue and muscle spasms.
• Chondroitin: Good joint ‘protector’, naturally lubricating the cartilage and providing its elasticity, maintaining hydration between the joints.
• Vitamin A, C, and E: Natural antioxidants with a protective effect on joints and that have the ability to regulate the immune response system.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Shown to reduce the level of pain stimulators and slow down the destruction and damage to cartilage and joints.

Preventative measurements for joint inflammation are the most effective; don’t wait for the pain to set in. Taking care of your joints is important especially with the daily wear and tear we put our body’s through. At the first sign of inflammation treat it; do not wait for it to get worse.

My personal recommendations:
Consume a diet that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods such as wholegrains, vegetables, nuts and seeds
Limit the intake amount of acid-forming foods such as dairy, red meat, sugar, sweeteners, alcohol and caffeine
Eat 2 portions per week of oily fish to ‘oil the joints’
Identify and control any food allergies
Drink plenty of water, 6-8 glasses a day, at least.
Keep your weight at a healthy level.
Gentle exercise such as walking every day, aqua aerobics, gentle dancing or light weight-bearing exercise help to keep the joints in good order.

DID YOU KNOW?
Turmeric has been used as an herbal cosmetic in India since ancient times and is still commonly used today as an ingredient for traditional beauty care treatments. Its juice is applied to the skin as a raw paste, kept for around thirty minutes and then washed off. Regular turmeric use is said to make the skin soft and smooth. It also gives a glow to the skin and produces a fairer complexion. To improve your complexion, make a paste of a pinch of turmeric and a tbsp of milk powder in 2 tbsp of honey and the juice of half a lime. Apply it on your face and leave it on till it dries. Rinse your face and feel the difference!