What you need to know about joint pain in middle age

As one enters middle age, the body begins to show signs of aging, particularly in the form of joint pain, causing various inconveniences.

Causes of joint pain in middle age

The development or degeneration of joints is a result of two opposing processes that occur simultaneously: regeneration and breakdown. As individuals reach middle age, the breakdown process of bones tends to occur more rapidly than the formation process. Bones start to weaken, leading to bone loss (reduced bone density). This process causes the cartilage layer to gradually thin, and the bone beneath the cartilage ages. The body’s pressure then compresses the bone beneath the cartilage, resulting in pain and discomfort during movement or changes in posture.

Additionally, in middle age, metabolic processes decline. Blood and nutrient supply to the body gradually decrease. The skeletal system is not adequately supplemented with the necessary synovial fluid and lubricants, leading to increased friction in the joints during movement, causing pain and discomfort.

Preventive Measures for Middle-Aged Joint and Muscle Pain

Engaging in appropriate and healthy physical exercise and sports is crucial. During middle age, participating in beneficial activities such as cycling, walking, and practicing qigong can enhance metabolic processes and strengthen the muscles around the joints. This helps alleviate pressure on the cartilage surface, promoting joint health.

Adopting a suitable diet can significantly improve joint pain. In middle age, it is advisable to include calcium-rich foods, various vitamins, and minerals in daily meals (such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, fish, shrimp, crab, etc.) to slow down the degeneration of joint tissues. Reduce the intake of fatty and sugary foods (sweets, fast food, etc.) to maintain a balanced weight and avoid obesity, which can increase pressure on the joints and adversely affect health.

Additionally, when experiencing pain, using topical creams that generate a warming sensation can help alleviate discomfort quickly. The heat sensation from these creams dilates blood vessels near the skin, stimulating blood flow to the affected muscle areas. This facilitates the absorption of pain-relieving agents into the painful area, resulting in faster pain relief.