This is probably the most common problem encountered by bodybuilders. However, most joint pains are avoidable if bodybuilders don’t overlook these simple guidelines:

• Warm up adequately
• Do not over train
• Do not use overly heavy poundage than you should
• Allow the joints and muscles to recover after heavy training
• Take adequate nutrients

Joint pains may originate from other areas other than poor training methods.

Other Types of Joint Problems:

A. Arthritis

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Bodybuilders are usually more prone to Osteoarthritis which is a result of tear of tissue at the joint area. This syndrome is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage found at the bone ends. The smooth cartilage becomes rough resulting in increased friction and consequently pain. If ignored, it can completely weaken the bodybuilder. It has also ended the careers of many bodybuilders.

B. Bursitis

Bursae are the small fluid sacks in the joints. Their work is to facilitate the joints motion by lubricating the joints against friction. If these sacks are compromised or injured due one of the above reasons, a prolonged pain described as “bursitis” sets in. The shoulders and elbows are the most common victims. It pains terribly ruining workouts. Elbow Bursitis is also known as the Tennis Elbow.

C. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the most common joint pain to bodybuilders but it is easily treated. If ignored, it will stop muscle gain. This condition indicates that the tendons in the joint are overly inflamed from overtraining or injury.

Treatment Options

All the above conditions are caused by inflammation of various tissues present in the joints.

Inflammation is detected better by checking out the afflicted area for painful, swollen symptoms. One needs to seek natural products that address not only the symptoms, but also, the origin of the problem.

A. Gelatin

It may be obtained from food or in powder supplements. Gelatin comes from collagen found in animals. Collagen is an important structural protein that plays a crucial role in the joints, tendons, bones and connective tissues. It is a rugged insoluble protein that holds the cells and tissues together. Gelatin has a high content of 2 crucial amino acids (Glycine and Proline) needed for collagen formation.

The body produces these 2 amino acids on its own but in insufficient levels. Hydrolyzed gelatin supplements provide the Chondrocytes/cartilage producing cells and the Osteoblasts/bone forming cells with enough of these 2 amino acids for the production of the structural proteins.

Calcium and vitamin C supplements should be taken alongside the Gelatin supplements.

B. Cetyl Myristoleate

It is a fatty acid that protects the joints from harmful chemicals that usually lead to arthritis.

It works rather quickly in comparison to the small amounts that are taken. 12-15 grams of this supplement spread evenly over a whole month are said to be very effective. Cetyl Myristoleate works as to reduce the production of the pro-inflammatory Prostaglandins.

C. Flax Oil

Many bodybuilders use flax oil for many reasons. One common use is to reduce pain resulting from inflammation, which includes joint pains.

Essential nutrients are described as nutrients the body cannot manufacture on its own and consequently have to be derived from the diet.

Flax oil is hugely rich in Omega-3 fatty acids also known as Alpha-Linolenic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammations of all sorts. From both of the essential omega -3 and omega-6 fatty acids the body generates Prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have short lives. They are charged with functions that include: blood pressure regulation, response to inflammation and immunity, insulin variation, anabolic/catabolic processes, and other numerous functions.

Omega 3 fatty acids are tasked with anti -inflammatory prostaglandins formation while Omega 6 prostaglandins cater for the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins production. This is how flax oil reduces inflammation.

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