The human body is really very amazing. Every time you walk, bend or run you are using important body parts like bones, muscles and joints. Without these parts, movement would be impossible. Those suffering from joint problems know only too well the debilitating effects of joint pain. It can restrict your social life and even simple every day movements are often difficult and painful. However, advances in medical research are bringing new hope for victims of joint pain.

Joints make the skeleton flexible and help us to move effortlessly. Normal and healthy joints are very strong by nature because they are surrounded by muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. When these surrounding structures are injured or diseased, joint problems begin.

Major Causes Contributing to Joint Problems

Heredity. Joint problems can be a hereditary trait, e.g. arthritis. Other hereditary factors may include physical structures such as the position of the bones and the uneven fitting of the joints which can lead to joint disorder.
Weight. As joints are made to bear and support the body, obesity causes excess stress on the joints. It leads to breaking down of the cartilage. This may happen though there are no initial symptoms.
Sedentary lifestyles. Exercise lubricates the joints and increases circulation so that they receive nutrients. A lack of exercise causes the surrounding muscles to weaken. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles and joints.
Repeated stress on certain joints. Athletes, those involved in sports and jobs which require excessive use of only certain joints may suffer from joint pain. This is called Repetitive Stress Injury.
Diet. All the functions in our bodies need nutrition. Without this nutrition, our bodies would slowly stop functioning. The same is true for our joints. Specific nutrients are responsible for keeping joint health. Lack of these nutrients in our diet can result in joint problems.
Injuries. A fracture can lead to joint pain later on life.

Symptoms of Joint Problem

Swelling in one or more joints
Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
Redness or heat in a joint
Limitation in motion of a joint
Early morning stiffness

According to a study conveyed by the Arthritis Foundation, 46 million Americans have some kind of joint disorder which can limit every day activities such as walking, dressing and bathing. In addition, many people without arthritis experience pain and joint stiffness associated with normal wear and tear, and stress on the joints.

Precautionary Measures that May Delay the Onset of Joint Problems
Diagnosing the cause of joint problems at the right time and taking precautionary measures to delay its debilitating and crippling stage is very important. Usually, the joints that bear the most weight are the most affected by joint problems, such as the hips, knees and spine.

Methods to reduce joint pain will depend on the cause and may include:

Losing weight
Regular exercise
Heat application
Avoiding activity that puts stress on your joints
Resting the joint

Such methods can help delay the onset of joint problems. In severe cases, doctors may recommend joint replacement surgery.

Nutritional Support for Joint Health
A proper healthy diet, complete with all the essential nutrients, can be an important element in maintaining joint health.

Studies show that nutritional supplements may help to support joint health and may help restore healthy cartilage to the joints. These nutrients specifically aid in supporting proper joint function, mobility, healthy ligaments and tendons. Some common nutrients include:

Interhealth Collagen Type 2
Works with the immune system to promote healthy joints, while improving joint mobility and flexibility.

Hyal Joint
A natural substance known to lubricate joint cartilage surfaces to reduce friction and keep them gliding smoothly.

Green Lipped Mussel Extract
Contains Omega-3 and a rich blend of natural proteins, minerals and mucopolysaccharides that support healthy joint mobility and cartilage maintenance.

DL-Phenylalanine
A combination of the well-tolerated essential amino acids that promotes optimal joint health.

MSM
A vital building block of joints and cartilage.

Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine is produced by the body. As people age, they lose their ability to produce enough of this nutrient, which helps to strengthen the cartilage. Lack of glucosamine causes the cartilage to harden. This leads to limited mobility of joints and other joint problems. Glucosamine supplements can help to repair damaged cartilage resulting in relief from joint pain.

Over the last few years, advances in medical and nutrition research have been helping people to live longer, healthier lives. Taking care of your joints through nutritional support is one such method to help you promote joint health and alleviate some of the symptoms that are associated with joint disorder. Advanced joint health formulas, like Gotu Kola, can nutritionally support flexibility and mobility of joints as well as aid in the reduction of painful, swollen joints.