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Joint pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Joint pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it's a nagging discomfort or a debilitating sensation, joint pain can significantly impact daily life and limit mobility. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments is essential for managing this condition effectively. With many different possible causes, it’s usually best to speak to a doctor. Your doctor will narrow down different potential causes depending on how or when the pain started, how many joints are affected, and if there are any other symptoms alongside. In this article, we’ll take a look at the common causes of joint pain and how to treat it. Understanding joint pain Joints are the connections between bones in the human body. For example, the separate bones in the upper and lower arm are connected by our elbow joint. Joints provide the bones with stability and allow for easy movement, and are made up of several components including bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid. Joints can be rigid - such as the joints between your skull bones - or more commonly movable, such as in your shoulders, hips and knees. However, when joints don’t function as they should, this can lead to pain. As complex parts of the body, there are many types of joint pain that people commonly experience. The medical term for joint pain is ‘arthralgia’ and refers to discomfort in any joint in the body. It’s important to realise that this is different to the term ‘arthritis’, which specifically means joint inflammation. It’s possible to have a joint that is painful but not inflamed, but you can also have a joint that is both inflamed and painful. Types of joint pain Types of joint pain can affect various areas of the body, resulting in discomfort and restricted movement. Understanding the specific regions where joint pain commonly occurs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. Some of the most common types include: knee pain shoulder pain back pain hip pain foot pain, including your ankle and toes hand pain, including your wrist and fingers elbow pain neck pain
Dr Roger Henderson
Updated: 27.11.2024 | 13 min read
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Flu is common, and just over 1 in every 10 people suffer from it each year, typically in autumn and winter. Influenza is the name of the virus that causes flu and its symptoms. There are three main types of influenza virus, called A, B and C, although it is usually the type A virus that causes the worst epidemics. Type C influenza is mild to the extent that it is often indistinguishable from a common cold. Type A influenza is usually more debilitating than type B. Symptoms begin after an incubation period of one to four days and include a high temperature up to 39C (103F), headache, loss of appetite, muscular aches and pains, weakness and marked exhaustion or fatigue. Symptoms often continue for about a week unless there are complications, in which case new symptoms may commence in the second week. Symptoms tend to come on quite fast, as opposed to the gradual onset the common cold brings – different viruses are responsible for colds. For most people, the flu will lead to some days spent in bed feeling rotten. For the elderly, young children, or people with other serious medical problems it can be serious, and a number of people die from the flu each year. The flu virus typically hits in winter, where the flu vaccine is offered in the autumn run-up to flu season every autumn. The virus can change in nature from year to year, but flu jabs keep up with this ever-changing virus, and that’s why we need a booster every year. The symptoms of the flu are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19 so it is important if you have a continuous cough, fever or a loss of taste or smell, to follow the current government guidelines in your area.
Are vitamins in winter important?
As the days get shorter and the temperature cools, it can be tempting to curl up on the sofa with some comfort food and a binge-worthy box set. But we are not naturally hibernating animals, so it’s important to understand why your energy levels may dip while your appetite increases, and address it with healthy choices. The doctors at Healthwords will always encourage a healthy balanced diet over and above taking supplements, and the more colourful and varied your meals, the more nourishing nutrients you are getting. But there are times that supplements may be helpful or even vital. There is less choice of fresh foods over winter, and less sunshine to naturally make vitamin D, plus fighting off colds and flu means our immunity needs to be in tip-top condition. Let's talk you through the challenges of winter and how to counter them to keep you healthy in mind and body.
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Healthwords.ai offers a personalised weight loss program designed to support you on your journey. We combine medication (prescribed by UK-registered healthcare professionals) with the power of Liva, an NHS-approved health coaching app. Liva puts a dedicated health coach in your pocket, offering ongoing support, motivation, and guidance What sets us apart? Person-Centred Approach:* Our programme is built around *your** unique needs and goals. Liva health coaches work with you to create a personalised plan for sustainable weight loss, considering your lifestyle, preferences, and health background. Evidence-Based Support:** We believe in providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Liva connects you with a wealth of resources, including expert dietary advice, tailored behavioural support, and information on healthy habits. Long-Term Success:** Our programme goes beyond just weight loss. Liva coaches help you develop sustainable lifestyle changes that promote long-term health and well-being. Liva App - Your Support System:** exclusive access to a weight management app, allowing you to Track your progress (weight, activity measurements, etc.) Receive personalised dietary and lifestyle advice from healthcare professionals Connect with a community of like-minded individuals
