The Hidden Warning Behind Your Achy Joints

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 7, 2024

Picture this…

You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee.

Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless.

Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of bed in the morning, but your hips protest with every movement, making you wonder if it’s even worth getting up at all.

If these scenarios sound all too familiar, you’re likely one of the millions living with osteoarthritis. This debilitating condition can turn even the simplest daily tasks into painful ordeals, robbing you of the joy and independence you once took for granted.

But here’s the kicker… that nagging joint pain? Well, it might be just the tip of the iceberg.

A groundbreaking new study from Sweden revealed that osteoarthritis could be a red flag for a much more complex health scenario in the future.

Researchers at Lund University followed the medical records of nearly 30,000 people for up to 20 years, and what they found is disturbing.

It turns out that folks with osteoarthritis were at a significantly higher risk of developing multiple additional chronic diseases. In fact, they were almost two and a half times more likely to develop severe “multimorbidity” (multiple long-term conditions) compared to their arthritis-free peers!

Alarmingly, that translated to an average of nearly ten chronic illnesses per person. That’s right—ten different health conditions to manage, all stemming from what might have started as a bit of joint pain.

Even those who developed milder forms of multimorbidity weren’t off the hook. People with osteoarthritis still face a 29 percent higher risk of developing an average of three chronic conditions.

So, what’s behind this troubling connection?

Researchers believe it could be due to a few factors. First, osteoarthritis is often accompanied by low-grade inflammation and metabolic issues, setting the stage for other health problems.

Additionally, the pain and reduced mobility associated with osteoarthritis can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, potentially contributing to conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The study tracked over 50 health conditions, ranging from cardiovascular disease and cancer to back pain and cataracts. It turns out there wasn’t a clear pattern to which conditions were most likely to develop. However, the sheer variety of potential health issues alone is cause for concern.

Now, it’s important to remember that this study doesn’t prove that osteoarthritis directly causes these other health problems. However, an osteoarthritis diagnosis should clearly be taken as a serious wake-up call.

If you’re living with osteoarthritis or concerned about developing it, don’t ignore your symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage pain and potentially slow the progression of the disease.

Next, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise (tailored to your abilities and approved by your doctor), a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help manage osteoarthritis symptoms and reduce your risk of developing other chronic conditions.

Finally, work closely with your healthcare team. Regular check-ups and screenings can help catch any developing health issues early when they’re often easier to treat or manage.

Remember, your health is interconnected. When you take care of your joints today, you also take care of your entire body for all your tomorrows. Don’t let osteoarthritis be the first domino in a cascade of health problems.

P.S. Discover a knee pain solution that helps stop the “Ouch!”

Source:

Dell’Isola A, Recenti F, Englund M, et al Twenty-year trajectories of morbidity in individuals with and without osteoarthritis, RMD Open 2024;10:e004164. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004164

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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