Let’s talk about our joints. The word joint is related to the verb join. And that’s what joints do. The basic definition of a joint is that it is the connection between two bones in the body. These essential connections join bones together to create the functional skeletal structure of the body.

There are hundreds of joints in the human body, and they are critical to the body’s ability to move. They can be small, such as the joints in the hands and feet, or large, such as the knee joint, the largest joint in the human body. When all is well, joints give our bodies range of motion and allow us to walk, run, jump, grab things, rotate our arms and legs, and enjoy this movement.

However, if you are dealing with joint stiffness or pain, you may feel that your ability to move freely is compromised. Joint pain can be caused by damage, injury, or disease. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain for older adults. Joint pain can appear as mild pain, stiffness, or soreness, or it can be intense.

If you or someone you are close to is dealing with joint pain, there are several things you can do to care for the joints and find relief from the pain.

Determine the source of your joint pain. Do your research to learn about the causes of joint pain. Learning about the most common causes of joint pain may give you some ideas about what is causing your joint pain, as well as what treatments may be most effective. Talk to your doctor if you are not sure what is causing your joint pain or if you are experiencing troubling symptoms like severe pain or limited motion. You should also see a doctor if your joint pain was caused by injury and there is intense pain, deformation, or swelling.

Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor may recommend medication for pain management. Pain medications, even over-the-counter medications, should be used with caution, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can bring some pain relief.

Give your joints some joint-friendly exercise. Strengthening the muscles around the joint should be one of your top priorities for good joint care. You can work out those muscles with the guidance of a physical therapist. Low-impact exercise is another great way to build strength.

Swimming is a classic exercise for joint health for a reason. The buoyancy of the water supports your weight so that you can move your joints through a range of motion without putting too much pressure on them. There’s also less risk that they will damaged by impact. Yoga and biking are also good choices.

Consider taking a supplement targeted for joint health and support. CetylMax delivers Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) and glucosamine. In scientific studies, CFAs have been shown to reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis. There are no known side effects from CetylMax tablets or topical cream.

Doing these things will help you discover what treatment or combination of treatments works best to bring you relief from joint pain. By caring for your joints, you will be on your way to enjoying life with more movement and less pain.