When it comes to lifestyles and responsibilities, men and women can more often than not be polar opposites. And this is clearly evident in their differing health complaints. For example, women will more frequently report of having experienced mild to moderate pain and discomfort in their muscles and joints as compared to men. Many experts hypothesize that this could stem from the fact that women subject their bodies to high heels during pregnancy. Another hypothesis is that women are on their feet from dusk to dawn – their days are spent working, while their evenings are spent chasing their little ones.
But forget hypotheses, let’s talk about facts. Researchers report that approximately 87% of the female population suffers from pain and discomfort in their joints due to ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes. Another study has discovered that, as compared to men, women more often complaint to their healthcare provider of experiencing neck pain. Additionally, years of research has concluded that women are more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis in comparison to men.
Sensing a common theme here? So did we! It seems to be that womankind is more often plagued with joint and muscle pain and discomfort as compared to their Y chromosome-carrying counterparts. But what could be the explanation for this? It’s quite difficult to say. Hence, let’s take a look at the most frequent causes for each of these individual ailments. And while we’re at it, why not discuss the best natural remedies for the same as well. Read on!
1. Knee Complaints
Knee pain is a rather frequent ailment, one that could appear immediately post an injury, or alternatively, it could be a product of a chronic medical condition. Depending upon the region of the knee that is affected, the cause for the pain, and a woman’s physical health prior to her knee complaint, the discomfort or pain a woman experiences can vary. Below are some of the most common factors that contribute to knee pain:
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Pregnancy changes.
- Post-pregnancy changes, i.e. during motherhood.
- Anatomical variations.
Solution: Consult your doctor on taking 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin sulphate thrice a day. This will aid in restoring your connective tissue. Additionally, you could attempt other things such as losing weight in order to reduce the burden on your knees.
2. Pain In The Legs
Stilettos, pumps, and every other sort of high heels are the archenemies of a woman’s legs. Once a woman dons these awkward shoes and teeters forward, she creates pressure in her toes, which, in turn, produces torsion in her knees. Additionally, frequent wear can also lead to inflammation of one’s ankle and heel.
Solution: If years of high heel wear have rendered your legs painful, your best bet is replacing the accursed item with orthopedic shoes. You can still always don high heels, but restrict it to special outings only and wear them along with silicone pads in order to ward off pressure and unnecessary complications. On the other hand, if you’re suffering from a foot deformity that could be contributing to your pain, opt for physical therapy. If you believe excess weight may very well be the culprit, try to eat cleaner and exercise more often.
3. Pain In The Back
One of the most common (and troubling) ailments encountered by the population is back pain. And, as we’ve discussed above, women seem to be more susceptible to this condition and seem to show a higher incidence as compared to men. According to experts, the main cause for this could be pregnancy-related issues.
Solution: Consult your doctor on taking salicin extract (approximately 240mg), which has been reported to alleviate back pain. That being said, if you’re willing to go the extra mile, try opting for acupuncture as it has reportedly been more successful than traditional pain medication and physical therapy for some people.
4. Neck And Shoulder Pain
Experts say that female office workers suffer from pain in the neck 3 times more often as compared to the menfolk at work. The principal reason for this could be stress, sitting still for prolonged hours, and carrying heavy purses or bags – all of which can negatively impact the blood circulation in one’s neck and shoulders.
Solution: Those who exercise a minimum of 3 times per week have been shown to experience fewer incidents of neck and shoulder pain. Hence, all you require to do is whip out your sports shoes and hit the gym or that yoga class you keep procrastinating – whatever you prefer. Additionally, another soothing remedy is to drink organic chamomile tea every day.
You don’t have to live with pain. Simply follow the abovementioned advice and try adopting a healthier, fuss-free lifestyle. Also, always consult a doctor before you take any supplements, medications or make any changes to your health regime.