Stiff, Sore, Pain and Swelling In Joints

by Carolyn Dean MD ND

I find it disturbing when people complain to me that even at the tender age of 40 they can barely walk when they get out of bed in the morning because of pain and stiffness in their feet and legs.

There are several things at play here and you’ll have to decide which is uppermost in your world. First there’s the issue of diet and lifestyle. Many years ago in New York I’d wake up with stiff fingers that were slightly swollen. It took me a while to realize my fingers felt that way after I ate sushi. I didn’t eat raw sushi but I did liberally dip my California rolls in sodium-laced soy sauce.

Begin by keeping a diary. Keep track of your food, activities and “toxic exposures” to identify what factors may be contributing to your stiffness.

The second issue is “the mind” at work. Hear me out on this point. When you get up and your ankle or knee hurts, what are the first thoughts that rocket through your brain? Try these on for size:

“I’ve got arthritis; I’ll have to go to the doctor; he’ll put me on pain pills; I’ll end up in a motorized wheelchair; I can’t afford a knee replacement; do they even do ankle replacements; that’s it, I’m doomed!!!”

And do you know what’s driving your brain over a cliff with thoughts of impending doom? It’s TV ads for arthritis drugs. Their insipid dialogue coyly asks if you have stiffness and pain in your joints.

Continue reading, get resources and recommendations at: Dr Carolyn Dean’s blog

Carolyn Dean MD ND
The Doctor of the Future

Dr. Carolyn Dean is both a medical and a naturopathic doctor. Known as The Doctor of the Future she’s authored 19 health books. You can get a free email subscription to her Wellness Tips from the Future newsletter plus the first 4 modules of her Future Health Now! program by clicking on the following link…
http://www.getfuturehealthnow.com