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Hydration and Joint Pain

Most people are familiar with common signs of dehydration: muscle cramps, excessive thirst, and lightheadedness. Just because you aren’t experiencing the serious symptoms listed above doesn’t mean that you aren’t dehydrated. The truth is that up to 75% of the population in America is walking around dehydrated. If lost fluids aren’t replaced, then chronic dehydration can occur. Over time, this ongoing lack of hydration can take a toll on overall health, eventually leading to chronic health conditions and joint pain.

Hydration & Joint Pain

Does Dehydration Cause Joint Pain?
Dehydration can cause joint pain because of the lubricating effect it has on the joints. It’s estimated that 70 – 80% of your joint cartilage consists of water. Synovial fluid is the thick lubrication located between the joints, giving you a cushion so the bones don’t come in contact. This fluid is located in the joints throughout your body: hips, knees, feet, shoulders, and hands.  If you are hydrated, then the gel-like liquid provides nutrition, shock-absorption, lubrication, and cushioning in the joints. The framework is like a sponge, with the water filling the space to cushion the joint. This process helps to reduce friction in the cartilage and gives you a smooth, sustained motion in the joints. When the fluid is not sufficient, then there is less lubrication in the joints, which leads to the development of joint pain.

Is My Joint Pain Due to Dehydration?
Just because you are experiencing joint pain doesn’t necessarily mean that your pain is caused by dehydration. A lack of hydration has been found to contribute to joint pain, but it might not be the root cause of the pain.  If you notice mild pain in your joints, then try increasing your water intake to see how the pain is affected. But keep in mind that drinking one glass of water isn’t enough. You need to increase your overall water intake each day to give yourself the benefits of hydration over time.  While hydration won’t cure your joint pain, it can be beneficial for easing your symptoms. Not only does this natural remedy help your joints, but your overall health will benefit as well.

How Can I Drink More Water?
If you want to drink more water to improve your health, then you need to examine your daily habits and routines. Not only do you need to look for ways to increase your water intake, but you also need to ask yourself an important question: How do I drink more water every day?

Here are a few simple tips that can make it easy to stay hydrated throughout the day:

• Keep a water bottle at your desk to sip throughout the day.
• Always drink a full glass of water before lunch and dinner.
• Keep a reusable water bottle with you when leaving the house.
• Substitute other drinks for water instead.
• If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding a bit of flavor with a squeeze of lemon.

While daily fluid intake can come from a variety of foods and beverages, it is best to stick with water whenever possible. Drinking caffeinated beverages could actually contribute to dehydration because they have a mild diuretic effect which increases the need to urinate.

Daily water recommendations vary depending on your age, sex, activity levels, outdoor temperatures, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status. The most effective way to decide how much water is needed is by watching for potential signs of dehydration. As chiropractors not only do we look at structural elements, but chemical elements as well. We make sure our patients are hydrated which is essential to their overall health and well being.

The Van Ness Chiropractic Difference

At Van Ness Chiropractic, we specialize in chronic and difficult cases and realize that managing pain and imbalance in the body is not one size fits all. We have the clinical knowledge and expert staff to offer targeted treatment and patient education that is effective and empowering.  Call us today at 847-842-8070 or click here to set up your appointment for a comprehensive examination and get on the road to health today.  You can also visit us at vannesschiro.com to find out more.