The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints

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 pain-filled 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 has revealed that osteoarthritis pain could be a harbinger of a much more complex health picture.

Researchers at Lund University followed the medical records of nearly 30,000 people for up to 20 years, and what they found is nothing short of alarming.

It turns out that people diagnosed with osteoarthritis were at a significantly higher risk of developing multiple additional chronic diseases over time. In fact, those with osteoarthritis were almost two and a half times more likely to develop severe multimorbidity compared to those who don’t!

Now, you might be wondering what “severe multimorbidity” means exactly. Well, in this study, it 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 faced a 29 percent higher risk of developing an average of three chronic conditions.

So, what’s behind this troubling connection?

The researchers believe it could be due to a few factors. First, osteoarthritis is often accompanied by low-grade inflammation and metabolic issues, which can set 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. While there wasn’t a clear pattern to which conditions were most likely to develop, the sheer variety of potential health issues is concerning.

Now, before you start panicking about your creaky knees, it’s important to remember that this study doesn’t prove that osteoarthritis directly causes these other health problems. However, it means an osteoarthritis diagnosis should be taken as a serious wake-up call for your overall health.

  • 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 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 a healthy weight can all help manage pain and reduce your risk of developing other chronic conditions.
  • Finally, work closely with your healthcare team. Regular check-ups and screenings can catch any developing health issues early, when they’re often easier to treat or manage.

Remember, your health is interconnected. By taking care of your joints, you’re taking care of your ENTIRE body. Don’t let osteoarthritis be the first domino in a cascade of health problems.

P.S. Find out here about 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

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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.

View More Free Articles

Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]

Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...

Read This

The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory

You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...

Read This

Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry

Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...

Read This

Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next

You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...

Read This

Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead

I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...

Read This

This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months

You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...

Read This

Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works

“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...

Read This

Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets

You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...

Read This

"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...

Read This

This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...

Read This