Morning pain in the joints does not necessarily determine the degeneration of the joints, but may result from the wrong position that we assume during sleep. Pain is often associated with limited mobility or joint stiffness. The discomfort you feel may go away after a short period of agitation, but it may also last for a few hours.
The ailments are sometimes caused by overloading the joints, excessively strenuous exercises, injuries or inflammation. It is not uncommon for pain to be related to systemic lupus, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, or rheumatoid arthritis. If the symptoms do not pass within a week, bacterial and viral causes, gout or enthesopathy should be ruled out in consultation with the doctor. Magnetic resonance imaging will detect the cause of inflammation, rheumatism, and even show possible overload of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Micro-camera arthroscopy can also be performed as well as testing for antibodies, antigens, ESR and rheumatoid factor.
Fighting joint pain
Let’s keep the weight in the norm, exercise regularly. Nordic walking, running, swimming and cycling are especially recommended. The selected sport should increase the body’s efficiency and improve the functioning of the circulatory system. Exercises should include the larger peripheral joints: shoulders, wrists, elbows, hips, ankles and knees. The condition of the joints should be supported by preparations with omega-3 acids, vitamins C and E, copper, selenium, manganese and zinc. Those based on rhubarb, wild rose extract, ginger or turmeric are also recommended. Let’s provide soya, avocado, dried fruit, poultry and seafood in the diet.
Painkillers and a warm shower will help temporarily. Unless the pain is too severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are indicated, preferably in the form of a topical ointment or gel. It is worth regularly applying ice packs to relieve swelling and pain, and ensure the right temperature in the place of sleep. Beware of moisture and cold. Start the day with stretching exercises that will increase the range of motion of the joint. Do not expose the painful joint to overload. Degenerative changes associated with damage to the articular cartilage require the use of products with hyaluronic acid or glucosamine sulphate in the composition. Physiotherapy for pain may include massage, manual therapy to restore joint mobility, physical therapy, e.g. with the use of a laser beam or taping, i.e. treatment through flexible patches with analgesic and load-reducing properties.