Stiff, painful joints are nature’s way of telling that the body is not in its prime condition. Mot people experience this pain in the morning. Its clinical term is called morning stiffness and it is a common problem in elderly individuals and those with arthritis. Certainly, the problem can become worse if the atmosphere is cold. Knowing what causes the stiffness and pain may help you address the situation.
During sleep, your body is very still and inactive. As a result, this inactivity slows synovial fluid flow which is the fluid that keeps your joints lubricated and flexible. When the circulation is limited, the joints from which one has just woken up rub against each other without enough lubrication. The peak of inflammatory processes during the night is also a determining factor for the morning rigidity. The inflammation response worses intensively the more the patient has arthritis. This results in pain and stiffness in the morning becoming stronger.
As people grow older, they naturally lose a lot of their bone and joint flexibility. Diseases of the type of arthritis are the main reason for that pain. When exposed to cold people tend to tighten muscles surrounding their joints. The lack of exercise in the case of sitting for long hours leads to reduced joint mobility over time. Not drinking enough water and eating unhealthily also play a part in this. Deficiency of Vitamin D or calcium has a negative impact on joint health.
Activities such as light exercise or stretching after waking up is a must on a daily basis. Blood flow is elevated and the joints get heated. When one takes a warm shower in the morning, a lot of the discomfort can be alleviated. The heat relaxes the muscles that are tight and thus joint pain is eased. Consume a well-balanced diet that is abundant in the essential nutrients needed for joint health. Also, you need to have in your diet Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and calcium. These elements make your joints strong and also give them the needed flexibility.
It is very important that one keeps the ideal weight for his/her body while at the same time takes good care of his/her joints. Being overweight means that the knees and hips are under a lot more pressure. Try not to sit in the same posture for too long. Breaks are there not only for resting from work but also for moving and stretching yourself during the day. Make sure you can have enough and good sleep every night. Following a regular sleep schedule is one of the ways through which inflammation can be controlled.
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