Causes of Joint Pain
Lately joint pain is a common problem, affecting people throughout the world and is increasing in an alarming rate. There are several causes of joint pains. The main reasons causing joint pains are the following:
1. Wear and tear, such as overuse of the limbs, injuries, causes different type of arthritis like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis resulting joint pain in most cases. Osteoarthritis is the disease of cartilage and bone. It causes deterioration of cartilage and overgrowth of bones. Cartilage normally protects the joints helping smooth movement. While walking, cartilage absorbs the shock as the pressure is placed on the joint. Breakdown of cartilage allows joint of the bones rub together causing pain, stiffness and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis in which body’s own immune system attacks a joint’s synovial membrane. The synovial membrane is the inner membrane of the tissue that secretes fluid and lines a joint. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the synovial membrane due to the production of excessive amount of fluid.
2. Gout and pseudo gout are also one of the main causes. These affect metabolism and allow materials depositing into the joints causing joint pain
3. Septic arthritis or pyogenic arthritis is a serious infection of the joints and is another reason for the pain. The characteristics of infected arthritis are fever, chills, and inflammation in the joints
4. Autoimmun disorders also cause joint pain. In this case human body produces antibodies against its own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus cause autoimmun disorders.
Home Remedies for Joint Pains
Ayurvedic treatment is perhaps the most effective for the joint pains. Massaging Ayurvedic oil-containing herbs over the affected area really helps to get rid of this pain. There are some specific plants which can do magic in relieving this pain. Some are given below.
Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): Shallaki or boswellia has been used since many years by ayurvedic physicians as arthritis remedy. Boswellia extract significantly reduces pain, swelling and the stiffness of the joint. Aswagandha (Withania somniferum):It belongs to the potato family. Its roots have been used to cure rheumatism, high blood pressure, immune disorders, erection problems and inflammation. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Roots of the ginger can help reducing production of prostaglandin and leukotrienes, which cause pain and inflammation. It has no side effects and patients can take it for years. Menthol and Camphor: These are helpful for joint and muscular pains. Though these are chemicals, they can be extracted from herbs. Menthol belongs to the mint family. Camphor is found in spike lavender, coriander and hyssop.
Making dilatory changes also help eliminating joint pains. Dairy products (excluding plain yoghurt), citrus fruits, red meats must be excluded from the diet chart. Vegetable oils like olive oil, sunflower oil can be included in the diet.
Practicing Yogas and Pranayamas have been found useful in eliminating joint pains.