I began competitive swimming at the age of 14. By the age of 17, I was warned that I would have limited use of my arms by the age of 30 due to cartilage damage and calcification in my elbows, with scans showing my elbows were fusing. This diagnosis led to a prescription for hydrocodone, which I now understand had a significant impact on my mental health and outlook on my future. Being told you’ll be crippled, then being prescribed a substance akin to mild heroin without having ever even drank a beer, probably wasn’t the best approach during the peak of puberty. In this instance, not being informed about what I was taking might have been a blessing in disguise because I was unaware of the potential for addiction or withdrawal issues. After about a year, I decided not to refill my prescription and moved on because the pills were no longer effective and the side effects were too much. Had I been aware that I was becoming addicted and that quitting would be challenging, it might not have been so straightforward. Fortunately, the physical pain I was becoming accustomed to in my arms overshadowed any discomfort I might have felt during the withdrawal period. Ignorance was bliss.

Over the next decade or so, I simply took it easy on my arms. I learned which actions would cause a flare-up and adjusted my activities accordingly. During that time, I also started taking Turmeric and Glucosamine sporadically. It wasn’t a consistent regimen, but it was something I tried now and then.

In my early 30s, I underwent another scan to check on the condition, as I would sometimes experience brief soreness. The results were astonishing: no signs of major damage, no signs of fusing, and the cartilage appeared restored.

I can’t say for certain what led to this recovery, but I believe that years of moderating my activities, understanding my limits, and doing things to decrease inflammation and promote healing allowed my body to repair itself. If I had continued down the path initially “prescribed” to me, I’m convinced my situation would be much different, and I’d be crippled in more ways than one. This experience taught me that good things take time, and being persistent, patient, and managing inflammation (both metaphorically and physically) can give your body the space it needs to heal and achieve remarkable results.

I took that experience and have been finding additional easy and natural ways to continue to improve my overall joint and muscle health and the improvement continues on.

Products That Have Helped Me

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Daily Stretching
Good diet, eliminating or limiting inflammatory foods such as Soy
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Soy Free Multivitamin
NAC
Quercetin with Bromelain
Vitamin C
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Diatomaceous Earth (when needed)
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Topical DMSO

Damage to muscles and joints from activities can occur in various contexts, ranging from acute injuries during intense physical activities to chronic wear and tear from repetitive motions. Understanding the overview of such damages involves looking at both the immediate and long-term impacts on the body’s musculoskeletal system.

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are sudden and occur due to a specific incident or accident during physical activity. These can include:

Strains: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Common symptoms include pain, muscle spasm, and weakness.
Sprains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments that connect two bones together in your joints. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
Contusions: Bruises caused by direct blows or impacts, leading to bleeding within the muscles or beneath the skin.
Tears: Severe strains or sprains can lead to partial or complete tears of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments, often requiring medical intervention for healing.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries result from repetitive stress and strain on muscles and joints over time, leading to a range of conditions:

Tendinitis: Inflammation or irritation of a tendon due to repetitive stress.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints.
Stress fractures: Small cracks in a bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse.
Joint pain (arthralgia): Pain within the joint that may be due to a variety of causes, including overuse.

Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions can develop from untreated acute injuries or prolonged overuse, leading to long-term damage:

Arthritis: Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. Two common types are osteoarthritis (due to wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition).
Chronic tendinitis: Long-term inflammation of a tendon, leading to pain and decreased function.
Muscle imbalance and weakness: Persistent pain and injury can lead to compensatory behaviors that cause certain muscles to become weaker and others to become overly strained, leading to imbalance and increased risk of injury.

Prevention and Management

Preventing and managing damage to muscles and joints involves several strategies:

Proper warm-up and cool-down routines to prepare the muscles and joints for physical activity and to aid in recovery afterward.
Regular strength and flexibility training to ensure that muscles and joints can handle the stresses placed on them.
Using appropriate equipment and techniques to minimize the risk of injury during activities.
Adequate rest and recovery to allow the body to heal and prevent overuse injuries.
Seeking medical advice for persistent pain or injury to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding the causes and effects of damage to muscles and joints is crucial for both active individuals and those recovering from injuries. By adopting preventive measures and seeking appropriate care when needed, individuals can maintain better musculoskeletal health and continue to engage in their desired activities.

Symptoms of joint and muscle injuries can vary depending on the severity and type of injury. However, common symptoms often include:

Pain: This is the most common symptom. The pain may be constant or only occur when the affected joint or muscle is used or touched. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain.

Swelling: Inflammation is a typical response to injury. Swelling can occur in the affected joint or muscle area, often developing soon after the injury.

Redness and Warmth: The injured area may appear red and feel warm or hot to the touch, which are signs of inflammation.

Stiffness: Joint injuries can lead to stiffness, making it difficult to move the affected joint through its full range of motion.

Bruising: After an injury, blood vessels may break, causing discoloration under the skin. A bruise may start out as purple or black and then turn green or yellow as it heals.

Weakness: You might experience muscle weakness or a feeling of instability in the injured area, making it difficult to bear weight or use the affected joint or muscle normally.

Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the affected joint or muscle, or a decrease in normal movement due to pain, stiffness, or swelling.

Tenderness: The area around the injury may be sensitive to touch or pressure.

Popping or Crunching Sensation: A sensation or sound of popping, snapping, or crunching in the joint or muscle at the time of injury or when moving it.

Deformity: In severe cases, the injured area may look deformed or out of place, especially in the case of dislocated joints or large muscle tears.

Inability to Use the Joint or Muscle: Severe injuries may result in an inability to use the affected limb, such as not being able to stand on an injured leg or lift with an injured arm.

If you suspect a joint or muscle injury, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially if the symptoms are severe, worsen over time, or do not improve with rest. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for recovery and to prevent further damage.

Several natural plants and supplements are popular for their potential to relieve symptoms or promote healing for joint and muscle issues. While evidence for their effectiveness varies, many people find them helpful as part of their overall health and wellness routine. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Turmeric (Curcumin): Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint and muscle issues.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting those with joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger: Like turmeric, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis and muscular discomfort.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These supplements are often used together to help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that may help reduce inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness.

Boswellia (Indian Frankincense): Boswellia has been shown to reduce inflammation and is often used in treating the symptoms of arthritis.

Capsaicin: Found in chili peppers, capsaicin can be applied topically as a cream to reduce pain and inflammation by depleting the neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting pain signals.

Devil’s Claw: A herb that may reduce inflammation and pain in joints, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis and back pain.

Bromelain: An enzyme extracted from pineapple, bromelain may help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain after surgery or injury.

Vitamin D: Adequate levels of Vitamin D are important for maintaining bone health and may play a role in reducing the risk of joint and muscle pain.

Magnesium: Magnesium supplements can help maintain muscle and nerve function, support a healthy immune system, and keep bones strong. Magnesium deficiency is relatively common and can lead to muscle cramps and discomfort.

Willow Bark: Often used as a natural alternative to aspirin, willow bark can help alleviate pain and inflammation, particularly in those with osteoarthritis and back pain.