Inflammation and How it Contributes to Your Joint Pain? 

Keywords – Inflammation Advice – Chronic Inflammation Advice

Inflammation is a response to an infection and injury in the body and is a crucial part of the immune system. 

In fact, inflammation is the body’s way of signalling to the immune system to defend against virus and bacteria as well to heal and repair damaged tissue. 

However, the inflammatory process can become problematic if it is prolonged and occurs in the wrong places. This prolonged inflammation also labelled “chronic inflammation” has been linked to curtains diseases in the body and may lead to autoimmune disorders. 

For example, if your ankle gets sprained or you cut your finger, acute inflammation occurs. A short term localised response happens to the precise place where the problem is. Signs of this is usually swelling, heat, redness and sometimes loss of function and pain. 

To promote healing in the area, blood vessels dilate allowing blood flow to increase and white blood cells to crowd the injured area.

The damaged tissue releases a chemical known as cytokines during acute inflammation. In order to fix the problem, the cytokines provide “emergency signals” that bring the body’s immune cells and hormones to the area. 

Afterwards, prostaglandin, a hormone like substance, heals the damaged tissue by creating blood clots but also trigger pain as part of the healing process. The acute inflammation gradually subsides as the body heals. 

Inflammation throughout the Body

Chronic inflammation also known as persistent, low grade inflammation can have long term and whole body effect as it produces steady low level inflammation throughout the body. This is judged by a small rise in immune system markers found in blood or tissue. 

Perceived internal threat can trigger low level inflammation and signals the immune system to respond even though there is no injury to heal or disease to fight. As a result, the white blood cells have nowhere to go and nothing to do and may eventually start attacking healthy tissue, cells internal organs and joints.  

This inflammation can affect the joints tissues, cartilage and can result in joint swelling and stiffness.  Nerves in the joint can become irritated resulting in pain.  

Ongoing Research

The understanding, the mechanisms involved in the process and the implications of chronic inflammation is continually being researched and understood. 

However, it is known to contribute in the development of many diseases. 

A person’s diet, gut health, stress, sleep quality, exercise, lifestyle habits and environmental exposure can contribute and affect the ability to counteract chronic inflammation. 

To learn more, get in touch with us today.