Health
Marisa HeinzeNovember 15, 2022
Swelling, Pain and Co. - Indications of Diseased Joints
Our body has around 100 real joints - and the more flexible they are, the easier they can become ill. In addition to diseases, such as osteoporosis, there are acute injuries that can manifest themselves with various symptoms, including pain.
Apart from pain, are there other complaints that should make you sit up and take notice? Is a cracking joint already an indication that something is wrong? We clarify these and other questions in the following paragraphs:
Joints: function, structure and types
There are many types of joints, including joints that don't move, such as the suture joints in the skull. Joints that don't move are called fixed. Other joints may move a little bit, such as the vertebrae.
Examples of fully flexible joints are:
- Ball joints, like shoulder and hip joints, allow backward, forward, sideways, and rotational movements.
- Hinge joints like fingers, knees, elbows, and toes only allow flexion and straightening movements.
- Pivoting joints, like the neck joints, allow limited rotational movements.
- Evoid or ellipsoidal joints, like the wrist, allow all types of movement except rotational movements.
Joints themselves don't hurt
Since cartilage has neither nerve cells nor pain receptors, the causes of pain sensation lie outside the damaged joint in:
- Muscles, ligaments, tendons: tension, cramps, incorrect strain and the resulting undersupply are the basic problem.
- Fascia: glued together and equipped with 100 million receptors.
Are cracking joints a concern?
Joints are connecting parts between bones that allow movement. The ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage. Like synovial fluid, these serve as a buffer. When a joint is overstretched, a vacuum can form. If it is not filled with synovial fluid quickly enough, bubbles will form. If there is pressure on the joint, a cracking noise is produced.
If your joints pop from time to time, don't worry. That's perfectly normal. However, if pain occurs, you should definitely research the cause and treat it.
How bad are stiff joints?
When a joint is stiff, it isn't as flexible as usual. This can be triggered by inflammation. Stiff joints often become noticeable in the morning after waking up, or after a long period of rest. Arthritis also causes the joints to become stiff and inflamed. If this is the case for you, we advise you see a doctor and have the cause diagnosed.
5 tips for your joint health
- We should actually rest our joints when there is acute inflammation or injury. If it's constant pain that sitting on the couch has gotten us, then exercise is definitely a way to reduce pain.
- Diet is always important, and yes, there are anti-inflammatory spices. In general, we recommend a more extensive, alkaline-forming diet. A balanced pH-level and diet are the basis for well-lubricated joints. Here you will find an acid base pdf with a shopping guide (in DE).
- Every kilo less is a relief for the joints; provided it is body fat and not muscle mass that we are losing. Because a well-trained support system, i.e. the supporting muscles, is just as important for pain-free joints.
- Treat yourself to a fascia massage. The fascia roller is a training device with which you can "roll out" the connective tissue smoothly. You become more flexible and can reduce pain in the long term.
- Magnesium and calcium - particularly efficient in combination, as they need each other in various metabolic processes. Both are the basis for a levelled acid-base balance, strong bones, well-supplied muscles and nerves, and form basic protection against inflammation. If there is a calcium deficiency, the body uses the bone mass and thereby weakens it.
Everything for healthy joints
Our joints are mostly pivotal points of our movements. But in order for them to be able to fulfill their strenuous task and stay healthy, they need our support. With nutrition, mindfulness, and individual training in everyday life, you can keep your joints fit and healthy.
But caution is required, especially during training. So that you don't make any mistakes and damage your body, you should consult an expert before your first workout. After an initial analysis, the EVO coaches can tell you exactly how best to start training, what intensity is ideal and monitor your training. In this way you will make significant progress for the benefit of your joints. Arrange a first, free trial training now.