At 40, your body rings a warning bell. If you don’t pay attention, you’ll be left in a corner.

If you miss a call on your mobile phone, don’t you try to call back and find out what it is about? Similarly, when your body gives you a warning bell, pay attention to it without fail.

Our body gives us warning about possible future illnesses through signs of constant fatigue, weight loss, changes in skin tone or chronic pain. Joint pain is also a warning bell. It could be a symptom of arthritis.

When joint pain occurs, many people find temporary relief from the pain by taking painkillers, doing a hot water massage or getting an oil massage. But the pain disappears for the moment but it will reappear again. Remember, joint pain can be a symptom of arthritis or rheumatism. When joint pain occurs, do not ignore that warning bell. Consult your doctor  immediately.

It is estimated that 14-15% of the population in India is affected by arthritis. Arthritis can occur in any joint of the body. There are more than a hundred types of arthritis and the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, it was estimated that adults in their 30s and 40s are suffering from  rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes of Arthritis

Age, body weight, heredity, excessive pressure on the joints and high mental stress are the main reasons for arthritis. This has a bad effect on your joints. Immunity decreases, muscle tension increases, the ability to resist pain decreases and treatment does not become effective.

Always seek medical advice

Even if you experience minor joint pain in your forties or thirties, always seek medical advice. It could be a warning sign of a bigger problem to come. Always follow your doctor’s advice. Don’t do internet research and do not self-medicate.

Here are some tips if you are suffering from joint pain:

1. Apply a hot water bag or ice for short periods of time, several times a day.

2. Exercise. Start doing exercises like walking. Take the advice of your doctor and do only those exercises he/she recommends. Don’t sit in one place for long periods of time. Get up and move around every hour.

3. Control your weight. It is better for those who suffer from joint pain to control their body weight. The reason behind many joint pain problems is body weight.

4. Focus on your diet. Eat vegetables and foods rich in protein and calcium. Drink the right amount of water. Get a good night’s sleep for eight hours without fail.

5. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol today. This increases the risk of arthritis.

Pay attention to the warning bells your body gives. Practice a good lifestyle today.

Good habits are the way to a good life. Because, good habits are the foundation of good health.

[This article by Amrith Noni is in collaboration with Dr. Sandeep Benakal, an Ayurvedic doctor with 15 years of experience.]