The boomer and senior population is growing, so joint and bone health are top of mind for that demographic but athletes and sports enthusiasts should also become savvy to the effects of prolonged and heavy exercise on joints. You may feel like superman when age is on your side but continuous impact on any joint will cause free radical damage which may not reveal itself until later life.

In fact, all too many people start to worry about their bones and joints when they are already experiencing issues. Bones are responsible for a fair bit, including support and protection, movement, storage and release of minerals and blood cell production. These functions are vital to life, which is why it is so important to look after the health of the bones wherever possible.

Some of the main worries attached to joint and bone symptoms include the different forms of arthritis, of which there are two very different forms.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is also termed "degenerative joint disease", and it is characterised by painful and stiff joints, especially the knees, hips, ankles and hands. These tend to be the joints that are used most in the body and over the years progressive damage may be caused. Unfortunately the natural ageing process slows down our ability to regenerate and repair damaged or aged tissue leading to pain and a degree of immobility.

Rheumatoid
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an auto-immune reaction. Instead of protecting the body from disease, a fault means that antibodies actually attack the joints. This results in characteristic inflammation and swelling. The condition can affect the whole body causing severe fatigue and weakness, mild fever, joint pain and stiffness, and tenderness.

Gout
Another form of arthritis which causes acute pain to sufferers is gout. Gout is a condition often associated with excesses of meat and alcohol; however this is not always the case. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints. Supplements which have traditionally been used include celery seed which is thought to help eliminate uric acid through the kidneys, and cherry fruit extract or other sources of anthocyanidins, which are thought to help to decrease inflammation and uric acid levels.

Natural Supplements
There are many different supplements, oils, creams and balms which may be useful to alleviate the symptoms of joint, bone and muscular aches and pains. In the Joint and Bone Health section of our website there are many products some have found helpful in treating their conditions.

Unfortunately, bone health is a concern we all must face as we age. If you don’t like the idea of giving up a weekly tennis or squash game due to stiff elbows, or cutting short time with grandchildren due to aching hips, it is time to think again about your habits to ensure healthy bones for years to come.