HEALTH - Why do your Joints Click?

Why do your Joints Click?

Are You Tired of Your Joints Clicking?

We Can Help You Be Click Free...

Would you love your joints not to crack?  Have you ever wondered what really makes your bones moan and groan in the first place?  Despite many myths, here are three real and different reasons as to why your joints persist to click...

Your tendons may be simply slipping over some bumps on your bones so that when the tendon slips over the bump it clicks.  But don't worry this isn't usually a problem.  Occasionally it is due to poor joint positioning or ligament damage.  Easy remedies include simple alignment or stabilisation exercises. Ask your helpful physio if you have any doubts.

When joints click this could indicate arthritic problems.  Joints are held under tight compression that results in the two bone surfaces grating back and forth, over the top of each other. Sounds as unpleasant as running your fingernails down a blackboard doesn't it? However this can usually be easily fixed through some simple physiotherapy treatment and sticking to an exercise program that improves your joint alignment, muscle strength and flexibility. But don't procrastinate ... the problem can rapidly deteriorate if left unattended.

The third main reason is gas, that normally builds up within a joint, suddenly popping out of the joint, when the joint is forcibly stretched or compressed.  It's just like bursting a balloon, but much quieter. You'll know the guilty people. Those who regularly crack their knuckles, neck, back or toes. You can achieve the same result with less long-term harm by gentle joint stretching and mobility techniques to gradually loosen stiff joints.  You'll probably also require some simple strength exercises to control the newly gained movement.  Ultimately, these conservative methods are preferable in the long term, as repeat manipulation or cracking destroys the supportive ligaments and eventually the joints fall out of position much easier! And the looser your joints the quicker they develop degenerative arthritis and subsequent pain. Grandma was right - excessive knuckle cracking can cause arthritis.

By performing specific exercises and stretches and following the advice of your physio you can wake up, stand or sit up - click free!

Source: http://physioworks.com.au/FAQRetrieve.aspx?ID=30987

HEALTH - Clicking joints – will oil help?

Clicking joints – will oil help?

Question

My joints click – shoulders, knees, hips – when I am in bed and I move or stretch.

There is no pain, but I am a little bit worried.

I used to take cod liver oil and I think the clicking got better, but I am vegetarian and I have now stopped using it.

Could you tell what I could use instead? Is there an alternative to fish oil? Would star oil help?

Answer

Clicking joints are often a source of unnecessary worry to patients.

Joints click when slight irregularities on the surface of the bone, or more commonly the surrounding soft tissue (such as associated muscles or tendons), move over each other.

The problem is more common among young people and is to do with the suppleness or laxity of joints.

Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around a clicking joint may help to reduce the condition.

It's great that this is not painful for you. Unfortunately consuming oil, any sort of oil, has no effect at all on joint lubrication.

Joints are lubricated by a substance called synovial fluid, which is produced quite naturally and adequately within the joint.

The most important thing here is not to be worried by it.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

Last updated 21.10.2014

Source: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/musclesjoints/202832.html

HEALTH - Clicking joints

Clicking joints

Question

For about eight years, although it is hard to tell exactly how long, every joint in my body clicks.

There is no pain associated with it but it is quite loud.

I notice it most first thing in the morning or after I have been still for a period of time.

I feel the stiffness within the joint and this is relieved by the click.

I have always been very active so I can understand it except for the fact that it is every single joint from my jaw to my toes.

Is there a condition that causes this?

Is there anything I can do to increase the lubrication in my joints?

I am still very active and exercise regularly.

Answer

Your concern over this symptom is understandable. However, clicking joints are not a cause for concern.

The clicking is caused by relatively lax joint capsules, that allows more than a usual amount of movement.

Although it is not a bad thing, the fact that you are physically active may tend to make this condition more obvious.

The problem is not caused by a lack of lubrication in the joints and even if it were there is no way that joint lubrication can be modified.

Although the condition is common and harmless the idea of actively trying to produce the clicking to relieve the morning stiffness is a little worrying.

Still the best advice would be to remain physically active and continue to exercise.

It is likely that the problem will gradually settle with time and should not be a cause for concern.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

Source: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/musclesjoints/202755.html

HEALTH - Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes

Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

If you have diabetes, you're at increased risk of various bone and joint disorders. Certain factors, such as nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), arterial disease and obesity, may contribute to these problems — but often the cause isn't clear.

Charcot joint

What is it?

Charcot (shahr-KOH) joint, also called neuropathic arthropathy, occurs when a joint deteriorates because of nerve damage — a common complication of diabetes. Charcot joint primarily affects the feet.

What are the symptoms?

You might have numbness and tingling or loss of sensation in the affected joints. They may become unstable, swollen or deformed.

How is it treated?

If detected early, progression of the disease can be slowed. Limiting weight-bearing activities and use of orthotic supports to the affected joint and surrounding structures can help.

Diabetic hand syndrome

What is it?

Diabetic hand syndrome, also called cheiroarthropathy, is a disorder in which the skin on the hands becomes waxy and thickened. Eventually finger movement is limited. What causes diabetic hand syndrome isn't known. It's most common in people who have had diabetes for a long time.

What are the symptoms?

You may be unable to fully extend your fingers or to press your palms together flat.

How is it treated?

Better management of blood glucose levels and physical therapy can slow the progress of this condition.

Osteoporosis

What is it?

Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to become weak and prone to fracture. People who have type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms?

Osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. Eventually, when the disease is more advanced, you may experience loss of height, stooped posture or bone fractures.

How is it treated?

A healthy lifestyle, including weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, and eating a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D — including supplements if needed — are the best ways to address this condition.

Osteoarthritis

What is it?

Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. It may affect any joint in your body. People who have type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoarthritis, likely due to obesity — a risk factor for type 2 diabetes — rather than to the diabetes itself.

What are the symptoms?

Osteoarthritis may cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as loss of joint flexibility or movement.

How is it treated?

Treatment involves exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, caring for and resting the affected joint, medications for pain, and surgery in rare cases. Complementary treatments — such as acupuncture and massage — also may be helpful.

DISH

What is it?

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also called Forestier disease, is a hardening of tendons and ligaments that commonly affects the spine. DISH may be associated with type 2 diabetes, perhaps due to insulin or insulin-like growth factors that promote new bone growth.

What are the symptoms?

You may experience pain, stiffness or decreased range of motion in any affected part of your body. If DISH affects your spine, you may experience stiffness in your back or neck.

How is it treated?

Treatment involves managing symptoms, usually with pain relievers (Tylenol, others), and in rare cases may require surgery to remove bone that has grown due to the condition.

Dupuytren contracture

What is it?

Dupuytren contracture is a deformity in which one or more fingers are bent toward the palm. It's caused by thickening and scarring of connective tissue in the palm of the hand and in the fingers. Dupuytren contracture is common in people who have had diabetes for a long time, perhaps due to the metabolic changes related to diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

You may notice thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand. Eventually, you may not be able to fully straighten one or more fingers.

How is it treated?

If you have pain, a steroid injection may help by reducing inflammation. Surgery, collagenase enzyme injection or a minimally invasive technique called aponeurotomy to break apart the thick tissue are other options if the condition prevents you from being able to grasp objects.

Frozen shoulder

What is it?

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion. It typically affects only one shoulder. Although the cause is often unknown, diabetes is a common risk factor.

What are the symptoms?

Frozen shoulder causes pain or tenderness with shoulder movement, stiffness of the joint, and decreased range of motion.

How is it treated?

If started early, aggressive physical therapy can help preserve movement and range of motion in the joint.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314?

HEALTH - Strong bones for life

Strong bones for life

We all need to keep our bones healthy as we get older. 

Here are ideas that will help improve your bone strength and density.

Keep your bones strong through the years with these simple exercises and activities.

1. Upper body cardio: boxing

Boxing is the ultimate upper-body bone strengthener. It also has cardio and coordination benefits and is a great stress release. Seek some advice on your technique. You need to punch safely and powerfully and you can only do this if you are  striking correctly. Keep your feet on the go to get an even better result. You can do some short, fast runs; some squats, lunges and step-ups; or simply dance around as you box.

2. Sport: tennis

I'm sure most people would agree that playing sport has more appeal than going to the gym. Many sports also have great bone-strengthening potential. A sport such as tennis or squash forces impact and force through the upper and lower body, making it the perfect bone strengthener. Other sports, such as touch football, netball and basketball, that involve short,
sharp sprints and changes of direction, are good too.

3. Lower body cardio: skipping

Skipping is a great moderate to high-intensity bone strengthener. It also gives you a cardio workout and improves coordination. Low, fast jumps are better from a cardio perspective, while slightly higher, slower jumps are better for bone strengthening. You can use skipping as part of a strength circuit or on its own. Try fast, timed sprints with rests in between.

4. Body-weight strengthening: step-ups

Body-weight strengthening exercises, such as step-ups, are an easy way to strengthen bones. The step-up is an isotonic contraction (the muscles lengthen and shorten), and it has a controlled impact. Also try walking lunges, box jumps and inclined clapping push-ups. If a body-weight exercise does not have an impact or dynamic component, add weight for bone-strengthening benefits.

5. Free-weight strengthening: squat curls

Resistance training with dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls and kettlebells forces your bones to adapt and strengthen. We've pictured whole-body squats with bicep curls, but there are hundreds of other possible exercises. Add on to simple body-weight exercises by doing bench presses instead of push-ups, dumbbell lunges or barbell squats.

Exercise tips

• The heavier the load and the more impact, the better.
• A fast movement is better than a slow one.
• Less reps are better than more (36 reps in total is ideal).
• Isotonic movements (muscles lengthening and shortening) are better than isometric movements (holding poses).

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/fitness/workouts/strong+bones+for+life,8297

HEALTH - Build up your bone mass

Build up your bone mass

Lay a strong foundation by eating food that is rich 

in essential vitamins and nutrients.

Most of our bone mass is laid down when we are young. This is why it is important to provide your child with a nutritious diet that's rich in all the key elements for good bone health, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins D, C and A. It's vital that a strong bone foundation is laid in childhood and adolescence to prevent osteoporosis and fractures later in life.

Here's a list of great sources of the key vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to keep building bone mass.

• Yoghurt: An excellent source of phosphorus and calcium, two important nutrients that work together to build strong, healthy bones.
• Oranges: An excellent source of vitamin C, important for forming collagen in bones.
• Cod-liver oil: A rich natural source of vitamins A and D, needed to improve calcium and phosphorus absorption and for healthy growth and development of bones.
• Spinach: Green leafy vegetables are rich in magnesium, one of the most important nutrients linked to bone strength, as it assists in the delivery and laying down of calcium in the bones.

For more information visit www.sunsmart.com.au/vitamin_d

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/build+up+your+bone+mass,7189