When a good rhythm strikes and the mood is right, it’s hard not to start tapping a foot along with the music. There’s something natural and instinctive about dancing—it’s fun, expressive, and just plain feels good! Dance leaves behind no physical trace, so its documentation in history is blurred. Did it begin as a call to battle? Was dancing a spiritual practice used to reach some entranced state? Were rain dances the first of their kind? Every culture and every person has their own distinct way of moving. Whether you have slick salsa moves hiding up your sleeve or the “Jitterbug” is more your thing, good joint health will keep you dancing smoothly for years to come!

Joint Care for a Pain-Free Future

Joint pain is a condition that many people accept as a symptom of getting older. Grinding, cracking, creaking, and stiffness are signs of wear-and-tear, but there is no reason why your joints need to age faster than you.  Most joint pain is the result of cartilage and ligament damage from minor injuries early in life. After enough erosion, movement becomes uncomfortable and osteoarthritis becomes an issue. There are several types of joints in the body—some are “ball and sockets” while others are more like hinges. Every joint is made up of the same build blocks: bone, cartilage, and ligaments. Supplementing with the right minerals, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet can all help you prevent future joint pain and recover from joint injuries faster.

The building block of cartilage, collagen, is essential to joint health.

Caring for Cartilage

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that serves as padding in your joints. Softer than bone, it works as a shock absorber in your joints. A layer of cartilage encases the ends of bones that make up joints, and protects them from damage. Cartilage can become damaged through joint over use, minor injuries (such as tweaking your knee), or major injury (such as dislocation). Originally smooth, worn cartilage can become rough and eroded over time. This erosion will keep your joints from rolling smoothly, and may eventually be a factor in osteoarthritis as cartilage does not recover from damage the same way the rest of your body might. While our bodies are unable to rebuild cartilage that is already lost, you can ensure that the cartilage you still have is in good shape. Support joint cartilage by taking collagen and glucosamine sulfate.

We recommend collagen Type 2 specifically formulated for joint health. A precursor for glycosaminoglycans, a major component of joint cartilage, Glucosamine Sulfate has been shown to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. In addition, you might want to try Extra Strength Glucosamine Sulfate by NOW. Keep in mind that body weight can play a big role in how much stress is put on your joints, especially the knees so maintain a healthy body weight to minimize pressure on your cartilage.

Build Up Your Bones

Keeping your muscles strong can help minimize stress to your ligaments

From below your cartilage, bones form the structure and arrangement of joints. Calcium and Vitamin D are vital building blocks to all bones. A lack of calcium may result in loss of bone mass over time and a higher risk of fractures and breaks. Injuries such as fractures often occur close to joints, and can cause inflammation and damage. Calcium supplements are available in a variety of forms, such as this Berry Flavored Liquid from Solgar, soft Gels, and tablets. Calcium’s companion is Vitamin D which allows the body to absorb calcium as our bodies are able to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight, however sedimentary individuals and those living in cloudy places may need to supplement.

Life-Long Ligament Health

Ligaments are the connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and put joints into motion. Overuse and misuse can put stress on ligaments and tendons, creating inflammation. Ligaments need proper nourishment to stay healthy. Liga-Tend is a supplement formulated by Country Life designed to support strong ligaments, bones and joints.  It contains L-Proline, a major component in collagen, as well as Manganese, a trace mineral that helps the body form connective tissue and bone assisting in calcium absorption.  It also contains vitamin C, which is essential in the body’s ability to synthesis collagen as well as skin, bone and joint health. Rounding out this formula are vitamins and minerals including calcium as well as shark cartilage and glycine, which has been found to help prevent degenerative bone diseases. In combination with regular exercise, Liga-Tend can help you maintain healthy joints. Since ligaments are attached to muscles, keeping your muscles strong can help minimize stress to your ligaments. Regular exercise will keep your joints moving, but be smart: know your limits, as strenuous movements could be the cause of injury. Ask a coach or a trainer for exercise modifications that are right for your body.

Stop Joint Inflammation

Inflammatory cells, a result of injuries small and large, will release chemicals that may be destructive to cartilage. Inflammation may also be the cause of ligament and tendon pain. Natural anti-inflammatory foods have been shown to be as effective as medication in fighting pain. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, can reduce symptoms of joint pain. Try adding natural anti-inflammatory foods into your diet! Ginger and turmeric have been shown to fight inflammation. Hanna developed a series of recipes for treating arthritis that cut back on inflammation and pain. Check them out, here, or find other natural arthritis remedies.

The Bone and Joint section at Hanna’s Herb Shop is full of oral and topical remedies that will help you prevent joint pain and relieve any existing joint injuries. Remember, making good choices today will change the future of your joint health. Keep your spot on the dance floor! Healthy lifestyle choices can keep your joints in good health for years to come.