“When the Joints Remember: Living with Degenerative Arthritis”

Simply Flava | Health & Wellness with Flava

Some things run deep — in our blood, our bones, and our family stories. For me, arthritis isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a thread woven through generations. On my Japanese side, osteoarthritis — the slow wearing down of joints. On my German side, rheumatoid arthritis — the fiery, painful kind that attacks from within. I’ve watched it, I’ve lived it, and I’ve learned how to walk with it.

Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA):

Osteoarthritis is often called the “wear and tear” arthritis, but that makes it sound too simple. It’s not just aging — it’s cartilage breaking down, bones grinding, stiffness that lingers longer each year. It’s the ache that reminds you of every step you’ve ever taken.

Common Symptoms:

Pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, and that grinding sound when you move a joint.

Most Affected Areas:

Knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Why It Happens:

Genetics, joint injuries, weight strain, and time. For some of us, it’s just written in the family book.

What It Feels Like:

There’s a difference between being tired and being bone tired. On bad days, it’s like your body forgot how to glide — every movement feels like friction. It’s the kind of ache that doesn’t scream; it hums quietly until you have to listen.

Cold, damp weather makes it worse — like your joints can predict rain before the clouds even form. But on warm days, when you move a little more, stretch a little longer, it’s almost as if your body whispers, thank you.

Holistic Remedies & Self-Care:

While there’s no cure, there are ways to make peace with the pain:

Gentle Movement:

Walking, stretching, or low-impact exercises like tai chi or water aerobics.

Heat & Cold Therapy:

A warm compress in the morning, an ice pack after long days. Diet: Anti-inflammatory foods — turmeric, fish oils, leafy greens, berries.

Weight Management:

Even a few pounds less can mean less joint pressure. Rest & Realignment: Listen when your body says stop. Pushing through pain is not strength — healing is.

Weather & Emotional Weather:

For many of us, the weather affects not just our joints but our mood.

Rain brings swelling; sunshine brings relief. That’s why it’s important to create your own kind of warmth — through routine, laughter, breathwork, and community.

Closing Reflection:

Arthritis doesn’t define me — but it’s part of my story. It reminds me to move with intention, to listen to my body, and to honor the generations before me who endured worse with fewer answers. Pain can humble you, but it can also teach you grace.

Simply Flava 🌻