Top Tips for Joint Health

The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

The two most common types, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both affect the joints, but are actually quite different. 

Osteoarthritis is the most common form. It involves wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage that caps the bones on your joints, which supplies a protective padding between bones. It generally occurs over time and as we get older, most commonly in the hands, knees and hips. Joints damaged by osteoarthritis may be stiff in the morning, but will usually feel better 20 minutes later and can be eased by movement – but that stiffness can still return at the end of the day or after activity.

The second most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid, which affects 1-2% of New Zealanders and can develop at any age. This occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in joint deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects both sides of the body, for example both hands, while osteoarthritis usually takes hold in one side (such as one knee or hip). The pain and stiffness you experience when waking up usually sticks around longer as well, usually around an hour.

9 Top Tips: Keeping your joints healthy

1. Try to keep moving. If you’re sitting at a desk for most of the day, make sure you’re constantly switching positions. Better yet, get up and move around regularly. It’s also important to be mindful of your posture – sit and stand up straight as it will help protect your joints. 
2. Book in with a physio for any aching joints. You can get the support strapping you need, especially if you are still staying active. 
3. Keep your weight in check. The less pressure you put on your knees, the better. 
4. Get your blood flowing and muscles loosened. Start with a light warm up, such as stretching or a ten minute walk.
5. Stay active with low impact exercises such as walking, swimming or biking. Avoid quick, repetitive movements to save jarring your joints. 
6. Introduce core strengthening exercises to your routine. Yoga and Pilates are great to get in to, plus they do wonders for your mental wellbeing. 
7. Increase your omega-3 through omega-3 rich foods such as fish and green leaf vegetables. A daily omega-3 supplement will give you all the benefits you need without having to worry about what to cook for dinner. 
8. Up your vitamin D, boron, magnesium and calcium intake to give your bones the support they need. Your joints receive nutrients through adjoining bones. This means that healthy bones are key for healthy joints. 
9. If you injure yourself, give your joints the recovery time they need. Injuries may be the cause of weakened cartilage in your joints, so take steps to avoid any further damage.

Supplements to support your joints

We have a brand new product that has been specifically formulated to help preserve joints and support the regeneration and maintenance of healthy cartilage. Good Health Joint Active with UC-II combines three powerful ingredients, UC-II, boron and vitamin D3, into one powerful and easy to swallow capsule that is proven to help ease joint pain and discomfort.

Unlike other joint products, UC-II stops the specific cells that attack collagen, allowing the body to reduce inflammation, rebuild and repair cartilage. It also works with the immune system to repair damaged joints and improve flexibility. This means that it is also an excellent supplement for anyone who experiences sore joints after exercising.

Focus on keeping your joints as strong and healthy as you can with gentle exercise, good diet and natural supplements like Joint Active with UC-II. Having arthritis doesn’t always have to mean sacrificing doing the things you love, you might just have to take a little bit more care. While there is no quick or proven solution to arthritis, our tips might help make the pain and discomfort more manageable.