A large inconvenience for menopausal women is the discomfort of joint pain. Achy joints can limit a person’s ability to move. When it is combined with other symptoms of menopause, it can terribly debilitate anyone. Because of this, it is vital to identify what causes joint pain. This will allow a person to steer clear of its terrible side effects. Here is more information about what causes achy joints , certain treatments, and how it is associated to menopause.
Causes of Aching Joints
Throughout menopause, women may experience various symptoms that include painful joints, headaches, tongues that burn, and even heart palpitations. Most scientists believe that fluctuating hormones, especially estrogen, are at the root of these symptoms. There are a few other factors that may worsen joint pain. Normally, a woman experiences menopause in her late 50s. This is also the age when most people begin suffering from osteoarthritis.Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is cause by an inflammation of the body’s joints. Mixing menopause and osteoarthritis is a sure reason for painful joints, especially considering the low levels of estrogen. Low estrogen is linked to inflammation and a lower ability to take pain. How can I lessen the causes of achy joints throughout menopause?There are a number of methods that may be used to deal effectively with menopausal joint pain. Many women recommend beginning with using heat packs or cold compresses.
Ice will often bring relief to aching joints. This can be accomplished by placing ice in plastic bags and wrapping it loosely in a towel. The pack should be used on the particular joint for 15 minutes. A normal medical treatment has been to use hormone replacement. This is when a synthetic form of estrogen is used to make up for the waning levels of natural estrogen in a menopausal woman. It is effective in stopping menopausal symptoms, however, on the downside, it is not specifically good at curing painful joints. Studies have shown that these types of treatments may raise the risks of damaging medical conditions like osteoarthritis. It is also associated with negative side effects that include headaches, water retention, discharge from the vagina, and extra weight gain.
Heat also may alleviate pain in the joints. A heating pad is a good tool or even an older hot water bottle may help to lessen joint pain.
Besides this, some people use a buckwheat pillow that has been heated in the microwave. Others prefer a short dip in a warm bath. This relaxes muscles as well as the mind to alleviate joint pain and other symptoms of menopause.
Certain individuals get joint pain relief by using creams that give off heat when rubbed into the skin. Massaging the painful joints while putting on the cream may alleviate swelling. The heat will also relieve the pain.
Additional Options for Treating Joint Pain
Besides the numerous solutions from above, there are also alternative remedies that may help to aim at the low levels of estrogen and fluctuating hormones that are responsible for the pain in the joints. These natural medicines are often recommended and are great when combined with positive lifestyle changes. A person must eat a healthy diet that is filled with fruits and vegetables that contain the proper amounts of needed nutrients. They must also follow a regular exercise routine.If joint pain persists and becomes too painful to bear, it may be wise to consult a physician. A doctor can give practical advice on how to get through the ordeal. As a last resort, they may be able to prescribe medication which can be of help. However, it is important to remember that these medicines may have damaging long term affects on the body and health that cannot be reversed.
