From the age of 50, the body, which until now was flexible and agile thanks to the hundreds of joints that make it up, becomes less mobile with age. Joint pain and stiffness may then appear. One in two French people would be affected by these physical problems. What are the causes of joint stiffness? How to relieve them?
Joint pain and stiffness felt in the knees, wrists, neck, etc., most often appear with age, although these symptoms, generally grouped under the term rheumatism, can however occur at any age. how old and may have different origins.
The causes of joint stiffness are multiple. It may be pain due to arthritis, a joint condition of inflammatory origin which may be chronic, that is to say which changes over a long period and which may be caused by an autonomic disease. immune system that attacks joint cartilage. Arthritis can also be acute, most often due to a bacterial infection.
Osteoarthritis, which generally affects older people more, also causes joint pain and stiffness because this disease wears down the cartilage of the joints. Parkinson's disease can also cause these types of symptoms.
A fall or other bodily trauma can also cause joint stiffness due to inflammation of the tissues around the joints.
Whatever their cause, joint pain can result in the deformation of the joints, their stiffness, preventing normal mobility, or even loss of mobility.
There are several ways to relieve joint stiffness. If they are due to overweight (element which increases the wear of the cartilages in particular), it is necessary to take all the measures of hygiene of life to reduce its weight. Through a balanced diet, good hydration and the practice of suitable physical activity as well.
If joint stiffness is caused by osteoarthritis, heat can be a good way to relieve the pain felt. The use of a hot water bottle or a heating pad is then recommended. Here too, the practice of an activity intended to strengthen the muscles, such as a water sport for example, is recommended.
In the case of inflammatory arthritis, rest is more advisable so as not to put too much strain on the painful joints.
In any case, diseases that cause joint stiffness require you to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Some joint pain and stiffness can only be relieved by taking medication (painkillers and anti-inflammatories) prescribed by the doctor. However, some natural remedies can help combat lack of mobility and pain.
This is the case, for example, of blackcurrant, whose anti-inflammatory properties have a recognized action on these types of pain. Same for meadowsweet and nettle. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil applied to stiff joints also helps to limit inflammation of the affected body parts. Regularly drinking a decoction of ginger can also help relieve these pains thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Homeopathy is also recommended to relieve joint stiffness. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory granules such as Arnica montana 9 CH (), Rhus toxicodendron 9 CH or Bryonia 9 CH are good allies in this type of case.
In case of joint stiffness, physiotherapy is one of the solutions to consider to strengthen the muscles while softening the joints and relieving them. The sessions with a professional must be supplemented by regular exercises at home to really soothe joint pain. Osteopathy, acupuncture or occupational therapy are also alternative medicines that can relieve joint stiffness.
Some spa treatments also give good results for joint pain.
