That soreness and stiffness in your joints are not just signs that you may be getting up in years. Those types of arthritic symptoms, experienced by as many as 52.5 million Americans, can inflict children and adults alike, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
As many as 67 million Americans, age 18 and older, could receive a diagnosis of some type of arthritis by 2030, the CDC reports.
The most commonly diagnosed arthritis is osteoarthritis, with symptoms ranging from mild to intense in various areas of the body. They can include swelling and pain in joints, grating sensation in the knees, pain and tenderness in fingers and toes, and swelling in ankles and feet.
At times, these types of symptoms can interfere with everyday life. Picking up a child or grandchild may become difficult. Simply opening an envelope or a can of food may be painful or difficult. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, here are some steps you can take to help manage the pain and improve flexibility.
Intake of glucosamine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, glucosamine has shown some signs of effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis, based on recent research. Naturally produced by the body, glucosamine helps building cartilage. Although the studies are not conclusive, some researchers indicated that glucosamine could possibly slow down the progression of the disease.
One study, which was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health revealed that glucosamine, alone or paired with chondroitin, which comes from cartilage, seemed to be most promising in reducing the pain of those with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee.
Treatment of pain. Some people manage their symptoms by reaching for over-the-counter drugs, including non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Motrin; acetaminophen like Tylenol, and naproxen like Aleve. However, with regular use of some of the drugs, some people experience side effects like constipation and upset stomach.
Stretching and moving. According to the Arthritis Foundation, exercise could be one of the most effective methods of treating pain and other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. It also can help expand your range of movement. Exercises that focus on aerobics, stretching and strengthening all are good options for improving function.