Menopause Joint Pain 7 Ways How Best to Treat It

Menopause Joint Pain 7 Ways How Best To Treat It

Very often falling estrogen affects the stability and the hydration of the joints.
Over time this will trigger joint pain most typically a grinding pain, that is especially noticeable first thing in the morning.
You might also feel that your joints are stiff and become easily inflamed.

Joints affected

• Fingers
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Neck and shoulders
• Hips
• Knees
• Toes

Only a single joint might be affected, or it can feel as if your entire body feels is on fire.
Source
prolianceorthopedicassociates.com –  menopause and joint pain link

7 Other factors contributing to joint pain

Age
As you start to creep into middle age, wear and tear can cause problems for the joints.

Stress
Ongoing stress creates acidic chemicals, and these can irritate the joints.

Poor diet
A prolonged poor diet can turn the body into an acidic state, irritating and damaging the joints.

Dehydration
Estrogen affects the hydration of the body.
If your joints start to dehydrate it will cause the tendons and ligaments to stiffen up.

Posture
Having a sedentary job where you are sitting at your desk all day, can end up causing bad posture contributing to shoulder and neck pain.

Weight
During menopause weight gain is common, adding more pressure on the hip, knee and ankle joints.

Lack of exercise
Going through menopause can leave you feeling more tired and fatigued.
A busy daily schedule leaves little time for exercise which is beneficial for keeping joints lubricated.

Sources
arthritis.org – how stress affects arthritis
orthopedicassociates.org – dehydration and joint pain
clevelandclinic.org – foods to relieve joint pain

Menopause Joint Pain 7 Ways How Best to Treat It

1. Magnesium

The most important mineral for the joints during menopause is magnesium.
Calcium is also important, but if you are low in magnesium, calcium often finds it difficult to get to the bones.
One of the main problems with menopause and falling estrogen is that magnesium levels tend to fall at the same time.

The reasons for lower magnesium levels can be due to:

• Poor magnesium absorption
• Not getting enough from food intake
• Unhealthy stress levels

Taking a magnesium supplement to help support joint health, can be very beneficial.
Normally 250mg of magnesium to 500mg of calcium will be sufficient if you include calcium and magnesium-rich foods in your diet.
Magnesium can give you loose bowels, so it is a good idea if you have not taken magnesium before, to start on a lower dosage.

2. Omega-3 oils

Omega-3 oils or fish oils are great for lubricating the joints.
If you suffer from creaky joints and tend to feel stiff getting out of bed in the morning, then a fish oil or omega-3 supplement can help.
The ideal dosage would be about 1500mg per day.
For vegetarians and vegans, a flaxseed oil supplement can be a good substitute.

3. Glucosamine sulfate

If you are just beginning to get slightly achy joints or if you want to protect your joints through menopause, then taking glucosamine sulfate, might be a good idea.
It takes a little while to work, usually about three months.
If however you already suffer from sore joints then this remedy will not be greatly beneficial.
This is more of a preventative measure.

4. Devils claw

Devils claw is another supplement that can really help with inflamed and sore joints.
This herb can either be taken as a tablet or a tincture.
A tincture works much quicker and will be absorbed a lot better.
The benefits start within a week and can be taken for as long as one wishes.

5. Arnica oil

This can be very beneficial for sporadic pain that only comes on every now and again.
Arnica oil has traditionally been used through the ages to treat joint aches and muscle pains and tends to work quickly.
It can be used on any achy part that has flared up overnight or has suddenly appeared.

6. Nettle

It can be taken as a quick treatment or it can be taken on a daily basis as a preventative.
It is great for gout-related joints or inflammation and sharp pains in the joints.
Grinding aches in the joints are very often caused by a build-up of uric acid and nettle is wonderful for clearing the joints.

7. Menopause support

Taking a menopause support which can help to keep your estrogen levels nice and balanced.

Sources
webmd.com – arthritis guide
medicalnewstoday.com – stinging nettle
webmd.com – arnica uses / devils claw / glucosamine

Will joint pain continue post-menopause?

It depends on the individual.
For some women, joint pain is only a phase, part of going through menopause, and will disappear at some point.
For other women, if the deterioration is allowed to happen, the joints can deteriorate to the point where they are too damaged.
Looking after your joints now is going to pay dividends as you go through menopause and into post-menopause.