A gift of an active lifestyle, with Sangsara
A study by Osteoarthritis Foundation International shows that 7 out of 10 women suffer from joint pain from the age of 35 onwards. And in 52 percent of these cases, knee joints are affected.
The trend is not limited to just Indian women. Many studies across the world show that women are more prone to joint pain than men. It seems unfair, especially when acute joint pain restricts your ability to stay active and live life to the fullest. The important question then is, what are the possible reasons for this trend on a global level? And what can help women?
The human body, regardless of male or female, is equipped with a total of 360 joints. But certain factors in the female body put women ( at any age, and specifically after 35-40 years) at a higher risk of developing joint pains (arthritis being the most common).
These include-
The female body structure
The female body's construction is such that there is increased joint and ligament mobility as compared to men. The greater elasticity of joints allows for increased movement and puts women at a greater risk of developing joint pain.
The female physiology
Females are blessed with a harmony called "Estrogen", the supply of which can be seen along with puberty to menopause. Estrogen plays a role in cartilage protection, and any changes in estrogen level directly impact the cushioning that the cartilage provides. The female body experiences a significant decrease in estrogen level every month during menstrual cycles and also during menopause, making them more prone to joint pains (especially during menopause). This condition is commonly referred to as "osteoporosis" and is also characterized by lowering calcium and phosphorus levels in the body and hence weakening the skeleton system.
Similarly, another reproductive hormone called relaxin, which is released in the female body in very small quantities is also a possible factor for increased joint pain in women. This hormone prepares the female body for pregnancy by loosening up the ligaments and tendons (that keep the joints strapped tightly) for facilitating delivery. While the hormone allows for the expansion of joints in the pelvic area, it also destabilizes the joints across the female body. This leads to "Joint Laxity" which further leads to cartilage damage and osteoarthritis.
Aging and obesity
It is around the same age (35- 40 years) when fat deposition happens almost instantly. While obesity is a common factor for both men and women, women naturally are more prone to obesity than men. In women, the accumulation of fat deposits is significant around the region, increasing the stress over the limbs due to increased weight.
So, here's how the situation looks like for most women when they hit the age of about 35
No/Low estrogen -> Osteoporosis -> Weak Joints -> Unprecedented fat accumulation -> Increased weight gain -> Excessive knee Joint pain
Now you may say, all of this is bound to happen naturally and one cannot do anything about it.
Well, no!
While women are more susceptible to joint pains, taking relevant steps at the right time can help minimize and even stop the pain.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Now that we know that weight gain has a lot to do with joint pains, especially osteoarthritis, it is ideal to maintain a healthy weight. The more stress you put on your joints, the more it affects the health of your joints.
Fitness is the key and the use of natural supplements like Sangsara's Ayurvedic Joint Capsules for joint pain and arthritis relief is also recommended.
Active lifestyle
An active lifestyle always helps. Pick the low-intensity activities that you like and make them a part of your everyday routine for healthy bones and flexible muscles. Regular exercise will strengthen your muscles and the connecting tissues around your joints. Cycling, swimming, walking, and yoga are all great options to choose from. The key is to keep your body in motion, avoiding activities that have repetitive motions or wear and tear of joints.
Strengthen muscles around joints
Strong and flexible muscles make a protective coating around your joints, preventing damage caused by increased stress. So, a strength routine, a good diet, and supplements like Sangsara's Ayurvedic Joint Capsules for strong and flexible muscles can greatly help with relieving joint pain.
Regulate your blood sugar
Uncontrolled or high levels of blood sugar and up hardening of the cartilage that supports your joints, which lead to acute joint pains and weakling of muscles. Regulating your blood sugar significantly adds to healthy joints.
Stretch as much as you can
Stretching improves your range of motion and makes your body immune to injuries. So, stretch whenever you get a chance!
One cannot go through life allowing joint pain to dictate how you behave and live. It is of course a process, but the best way is to get started from where you are and what you have. Joint pain is not a concern of a particular age. It must be a concern early on, so prevent further damage as you age.
Sangsara wishes you a pain-free walking experience for a lifetime!
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