A sudden twinge in an elbow, shoulder, knee or another joint is probably not arthritis. Most forms of arthritis develop slowly, striking first in the hands.

Instead, you've probably irritated the soft tissue around the joint. This ailment--really a family of ailments including bursitis, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome--calls for a slightly different approach to treatment than arthritis.

Arthritis sufferers endure more days in severe pain, experience more days with limited ability to perform daily activities, and have more difficulty performing personal-care routines than people without arthritis. As with other chronic pain conditions, arthritis has negative effects on mental health.

Soft-tissue inflammation is not a natural consequence of aging. Most cases can be traced to excessive exercise...or to a job-related activity involving repetitive motion. The pain is usually apparent within 24 hours of overuse. It can range from a dull ache to shooting pain.

COMMON SOFT-TISSUE INJURIES

Rotator cuff tendinitis affects the tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place. Common among swimmers and other athletes, this ailment can make it hard to get dressed or lie down.

Shoulder bursitis --very common among gardeners and house painters--is caused by repeated pressure on shoulder bursae, fluidfilled "cushions" that protect the joints. It becomes painful to move the arm away from the body.

Tennis elbow strikes carpenters, gardeners, mechanics, dentists...and tennis players who use poor form or a tightly strung racket. The pain makes it hard to shake hands or ligt a briefcase.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an inflammation of tissue surrounding the median nerve of the hand. Symptoms include weakness, pain, burning or aching in the wrist and/or hand. Usually caused by repeated hand motions, like those used by checkout clerks, seamstresses and computer operators.

Prepatellar bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap (patella). It is common in people who must stand or kneel for extended periods. The pain is rarely severe.

Shin splints involve pain in the front of the lower leg. Most cases are caused by repetitive exercise--especially running on hard surfaces. This can injure muscle and tendon tissue.

Achilles tendinitis --inflammation of the Achilles tendon--is common among basketball and squash players and runners(especially those who run on concrete or in flimsy shoes). Symptoms include pain, swelling and tenderness in the heel.

Plantar fascitis involves a tear in the ligament connecting the arch to the heel. It causes a burning pain on the sole of the foot and the heel, making it painful to walk or stand on your toes. Common among runners.

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa near the hip. Symptoms include pain in the hip and thigh, especially when you walk, rise from a chair or lie on the affected side.

Imagine your life without joint & muscle pain. Imagine the freedom to effortlessly, and without notice, go about your life exercising, participating in sports, walking on the beach, playing with your children, Living Life As You Once Did. Without Agonizing Pain. Without Aching Joints. Without Muscle Pain!

Please review some of our products for joint and muscle pain relief from conditions such as neck pain, lower back ache, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or more.

Steven Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital, active, and healthy lifestyle. For information and products that are relative to arthritic issues along with other life-enhancing nutrients please visit his website Alternative Health Supplements.