Joints are the important junctions in our musculo-skeletal system, which are allowing us to move easily and freely, a basic instinct in every human being. Right?

Joints are defined as the point where 2 or more bones meet so that the body parts can have the ability to move.

There are 3 major types of joints in our body, they are as listed below –

• Immovable (Synarthroses) - Ex. – Skull bones are joined and known as sutures
• Movable (Diarthroses)- The most common type and known as Synovial joints. Ex. Knee, Shoulder, Hip and others.
• Slightly movable (Amphiarthroses) – Also known as cartilaginous joints which is limited mobility like our spinal vertebrae joints.

The most common types of joints are further classified as follows –

• Ball and socket joint. Permitting movement in all directions, the ball and socket joint features the rounded head of one bone sitting in the cup of another bone.
• Hinge joint
• Condyloid joint
• Pivot joint
• Gliding joint
• Saddle joint

The names as mentioned above shall explain the type and function of the joint, right?

Now that we have understood the types of joints, we can easily understand how important the joints are for our existence. There are 360 joints altogether in our body allowing to function in the best possible way in several directions & planes.

Imagine, if we didn’t have the joints what would have happened to our living!!

So, taking care of our joints are most important to live our lives completely, isn’t it? If we take care of it, the functionality of our joints will last a lifetime and allow us to reach our material and spiritual goals as well.

Before we dwell upon the steps to take care of our joints, we need to understand how our joints (especially movable & slightly movable) are structured for the movement to the executed.

To explore it briefly, I would like to share that all the movable (synovial joints) are formed articulately with cartilage, synovial fluid (for lubrication), joint capsule and ligaments to protect and stabilize the joint, the bones and the muscles which attach to the bones and play an important role for the movements to happen.

These structures shall protect our joints from the impacts of our movements, absorb the shocks of the movement which shall protect the bones as well from deteriorating just like the shock absorbers of our vehicles.

Now, we have understood how the joints function, its structures and its ability to movement in all kinds of ranges we need.

Isn’t our skeletal system with joints are a miraculous creation by the ALMIGHTY? 

Common joint problems

The most common joint problems we face are as follows –

• Joint ache
• Sprains & Fatigue
• Weakness
• Arthritis
• Inflammatory arthritis – Ex. Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis
• Degenerative arthritis – Ex. Osteoarthritis
• Auto-immune arthritis – Ex. Rheumatoid arthritis
• Metabolic arthritis – Ex. Gout

Incidence of Arthritis in the world

By the year 2040, an estimated 78.4 million (25.9% of the projected total adult population) adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, compared with the 54.4 million adults in 2013–2015. Two-thirds of those with arthritis will be women.

So, now we understand how joint disease can impact the human race and our productivity, growth and evolution of our whole human race.

Now, I want to share the natural ways and means to prevent arthritis as ‘PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE’.

The holistic approach to prevent arthritis and maintain our joints are as below –

• Regular exercise – To maintain the mobility and strength of our joints and its structures including yoga practice (asanas, pranayamas, relaxation technique, meditation), walking, running, jogging, swimming, cycling and several others which suits each individual. Regular exercise also help to prevent injuries to our joints.

• Weight management - Maintain optimal weight to prevent undue pressure on our joints which is one of the major causes for Osteo-arthritis of the joints. In order to maintain that, we need to have holistic and balanced nutrition.

• Hydration – A adequate hydration is very important to maintain the health of the joints and our musculo-skeletal system to have its lubrication. Hydration includes intake a water and oils. Oils, shall be in the form of the dishes we eat including dry fruits, seeds, cooking oils which are cold pressed and organic to obtain the maximum benefits.

• Massage therapy – A regular massage to our joints with oil by self or through a professional masseur or masseuse shall help to relax and rejuvenate the joints and its surrounding structures. The oils used which are charged with herbs shall get absorbed through the skin and help to lubricate the joint structures and maintain its ability to function optimally.

• Stress management – Having a regular stress management tool including yoga practice, acupuncture therapy, massage therapy shall go a long way to maintain the health of joints and its surrounding structures. When stress is managed effectively, that shall prevent the low-grade inflammation which is a major factor for the development of arthritis.
• Acupuncture & Acupressure therapy – Acupuncture & Acupressure, based on TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) when availed by a registered and qualified practitioner shall help to maintain the health of the joints & it’s structures by improving the blood perfusion, reducing & preventing the inflammation of the joints.

• Reflexology – A ancient technique which helps to relax our joints  & its structures by applying pressure on the nerve endings on our palms & soles.

We shall also have to understand that, the above mentioned natural healing techniques not just prevent the joint diseases they shall also play a very important role in treating joint diseases when addressed in the early stages of the diseases without any medication and it’s adverse reactions.

Now, I am sure all the readers would have understood the importance of joints in our lives and how to maintain their health comprehensively.

Dr Gurudatta H K, BNYS, FCRSW, Founder, Anandamaya Wellness Center