Why Inflammation Is So Harmful for Your Joints

Inflammation has gotten a bad rep lately, and is blamed for the development of everything from asthma to cancer. In small spurts — as a response to a genuine attack against healthy tissues by pathogens or injury — inflammation is an essential part of restoring health and repairing damage. 

However, when your body is in a chronic state of inflammation, those attacks are launched against the healthy tissue that your immune system evolved to protect. The result is, in fact, a slew of chronic and life-threatening diseases. One result could be stiff, painful, arthritic joints. 

At McPhilamy Bone and Joint in Lubbock, Texas, fellowship-trained surgeon Dr. Austin McPhilamy may treat severe arthritis and joint pain with joint injections that contain anti-inflammatory agents. In severe cases, he may recommend total joint replacement.

To avoid those extreme scenarios, however, Dr. McPhilamy advises getting inflammation under control now, before it wreaks havoc on your joints. Making lifestyle changes that reduce inflammation can protect your joints and your overall health. Here’s what you should know.

Short-term inflammation is normal

When your body is attacked by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, or when you suffer a wound, your immune system launches a counteroffensive. For instance, if you suffer a blow to your knee, the blood vessels around the injured area dilate so that more blood can reach the damaged tissue.

White blood cells, rushed to the site on a wave of increased blood flow, kill bacteria and other pathogens in the area. This response creates the heat and swelling associated with inflammation. The extra blood flow also brings growth factors and proteins that help your body repair the injury.

Acute inflammation helps fight off infection, heal your joint, and keep you safe. But when inflammation — even if it’s acute — is so extreme that it prevents you from using your joint for everyday purposes, it’s time to call your doctor.

Chronic inflammation stresses joints

Chronic inflammation has no positive purpose. Chronic inflammation can develop from an acute injury or an infection. You might also have an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, that keeps your body in a chronic state of inflammation. 

When in a state of chronic inflammation, the immune cells in your joints attract other immune cells. The excessive immune cells thicken the joint lining and add new blood vessels, making the joint stiff. 

Although immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are easily linked to chronic inflammation, even the “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis — osteoarthritis (OA) — causes some degree of inflammation. The gradual grinding away of cartilage and other tissues creates an excess of white blood cells and immune cells that cause swelling and pain.

In addition, chronic inflammation attacks the tendons and ligaments that keep joints strong and secure. It breaks down the cartilage tissue that cushions your joints. The pressure from inflammation can also irritate the nerves in your joints, causing pain.

Turn down inflammation in your joints

If you have an autoimmune disease, be sure to see a specialist to keep your disease from progressing, if possible. Anyone who suffers from inflammation or joint pain should also adopt an anti-inflammatory lifestyle by:

• Eliminating processed foods
• Eating fresh, whole foods
• Avoiding alcohol
• Stopping smoking
• Getting plenty of exercise
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Reducing stress

Physical therapy and resistance training strengthen the muscles and tendons that support your joints. You may also need to wear a brace or splint until a weak or unstable joint regains strength and mobility.

Do your joints hurt because of chronic inflammation and arthritis? Find out how to protect, heal, and support your joints by contacting our friendly team at McPhilamy Bone and Joint in Lubbock, Texas, via phone or with our easy online form today.