Most of us have felt it… dull or sometimes acute pain when moving shoulders, flexing knees or bending over. For some getting older means a break down in the protective cartilage layer located between bones. Without this protection bones begin to rub against one another causing joint discomfort. Joint pain can be a sign of a more serious problem such as Osteoporosis so it is important to see a doctor if the pain persists.

• Lose Excess Weight: An important first step is to shed any extra weight you are carrying around which can impart extra stress on joints.
• Exercise Regularly: If possible, before the joint discomfort becomes too extreme, begin exercising. A physical therapist can design a program that can improve range of motion as well as target joint specific exercises. Unless otherwise directed, low impact exercises are usually best, especially when combined with water exercises. Exercise should be continued on a regular basis with a weekly goal of three to four sessions.
• Footwear: Shoes that have an extra layer of padding or cushion can provide extra support for bones.
• Smoking: As if you didn’t need another reason to quit smoking, those who smoke do not respond well to joint improvement treatments.

• Painkillers: Those suffering from mild pain can try simple painkillers such as Tylenol for relief. Physicians may prescribe others based on current medications one may be taking.
• Heat / Cold: Packs that produce heat or ice may be placed on the joints to relieve discomfort; some people prefer heat while others prefer cold. Do not leave the packs on the joints longer than 20 minutes at a time.
• Joint Fluid Supplements: One of the newest approaches for joint pain relief is aimed at those who are unable to find relief from the previously mentioned methods. An injection of a synthetic lubricant are made into the joint, the goal is to cushion the joint, minimize reduced feeling nerve endings and restore the synovial fluid that fills the joint. Results are mixed, while some doctors feel that the minimal benefits and may not be worth the discomfort of the injections.
• Steroid Shots: Another short term fix is a steroid shot into the joint, However this method should only be used every three or four months due to a risk of damage to cartilage.
• Joint Replacement:  A drastic measure for those of whom all other measures have failed is surgery in which the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis called an artificial joint. The procedure is very successful and 90%  of patients have prosthetics that lasting over 20 years.
• Alternative Supplements: There are studies that show that natural supplementation can slow or in some cases halt the progression of osteoporosis which leads experts to believe these supplements can alleviate joint pain as well. The supplements in focus are glucosamine and chondroitin. We put two blends to the test and found some interesting results.