Joint inflammation has a lot do with the body trying to heal itself, both rightly and wrongly. The human body is a complex system that is working hard to survive; therefore it will always attempt to heal any injured or diseased part of itself. Joint inflammation does not always result in healing; in fact it can be very destructive of joints. That is why this article was written.
The body's immune system is designed to seek and destroy bacteria and other foreign particles that invade the body. It does this by sending immune cells and antibodies into the effected area of the body and this cause swelling in that area. This would include mechanical injury to a joint such as a fracture or the presence of an infection usually caused by viruses or bacteria. For example, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can inflame and create joint pain and swelling. The treatment for knee joint pain often includes testing for Lyme disease since knee swelling and pain are common symptoms. But, there is also something called an autoimmune disease where the immune system malfunctions and mistakenly attacks its own body tissue, in this case joint tissue.
In looking at a healthy joint one can see it has its full range of motion and it bends, flexes and turns with an easy fluid movement. A joint is the junction where bones meet. In a Synovial joint there is cartilage between these bones and the Synovial membrane or lining that secretes Synovial fluid, this separates and protects the cartilage and the bones from fiction as one bends or turns the bones that meet in that joint.
Getting back to the immune system; specifically where it malfunctions and mistakenly attacks its own body tissue. This can be Rheumatoid Arthritis since RA causes the Synovial lining to swell. Inflammation in the joints is swelling of the Synovial lining. It distends or balloons tissue and cells in the effected joints which compresses nerve endings causing pain, aching, and stiffness. There may also be redness of the skin around the joint and reduced ability to move the joint. Lupus is another autoimmune disease that can cause the joint to be swollen and ache.
When the inflammation does not go away it can lead to destruction of the joint, results in long-term pain and deformity. COX-2 is an enzyme that is found in areas of the body responsible for creating inflammation and its resulting pain. Drugs in recent years have targeted to block this enzyme with what is called COX-2 Inhibitors and these drugs would be a great solution to this problem if it were not for the extreme side effects that accompany these drugs. Vioxx, is one such drug and has now been removed from the market. Fortunately there is a natural and effective COX-2 Inhibitor available with no side effect. For more in depth information download the free report in the resource box.
The immune system usually heals the body, that joint swollen with inflammation can be the body healing itself. But, when inflammation in a joint or joints is a chronic or when joint ache is chronic then it indicates a serious problem that does need attention. Herbal remedies for joint pains are available and should be used instead of drugs whenever possible.
