Can stress or emotional well-being impact joint health?
well-being impact joint health
Arthritis is a common condition causing pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It’s often associated with other conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It’s also been linked to mental illness, which can have a negative impact on joint health. People with a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression are more likely to experience poor joint health. The good news is that you can take steps to improve both your mental and physical well-being.
Stress can cause aches and pains, but it’s important to distinguish between these symptoms and a mood disorder. Anxiety is a feeling of unease and tension that doesn’t go away. It may be triggered by a specific event, situation or thought, but it can also develop from personality traits, lifestyle habits or family history.
If you’re having a tough time, seek help from a mental health professional. A therapist can help you work through the emotions that are triggering your anxiety and give you tools to cope. They can also teach you techniques to reduce the physical effects of stress, such as meditation and breathing exercises.
Can stress or emotional well-being impact joint health?
Emotional well-being can also be affected by your social support network. If you find yourself withdrawing from friends and family or avoiding activities you normally enjoy, these can be signs that your stress level is too high. Seek social support and make changes to your routine that will allow you to get back into the groove of things.
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones to prepare for a fight or flight response. These chemicals increase your heart rate, quicken your breathing and tense up your muscles in preparation for a possible threat. This response is a natural part of your body’s immune system, but prolonged stress can reduce the effectiveness of these hormones and lead to chronic inflammation.
Managing your stress levels is vital for joint health, as it can prevent flare-ups and keep pain at bay. A few easy ways to lower your stress levels are yoga, stretching and getting enough vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone and joint health. It’s found in a variety of foods, including fresh fish, cereals, fortified milk and some fruits and vegetables. Stretching increases flexibility, stimulates blood flow and releases tension, all of which can ease joint pain.
It’s also a great idea to spend more time with friends and family and maintain a positive attitude. Focusing on the good parts of your life, like a fulfilling job or loving relationships, can help you feel more at peace and less stressed. Lastly, try to incorporate relaxing activities into your daily life such as meditation or massage. These can increase blood flow and release tension in the muscles, which can help alleviate arthritis pain and fibromyalgia symptoms. You can schedule an appointment with a specialist at the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson to learn more about how to improve your joint health and emotional well-being.
