Joint pain is among the most common chronic health conditions affecting Canadians, with approximately one in five individuals dealing with these issues daily. In Episode #189 of The Tonic Talk Show/Podcast, Naturopath Dr. Ludovic Brunel delved into the intricacies of joint pain, its causes, and how it can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, supplementation, and targeted therapy. This is a digest of that conversation.
Joint pain isn’t just a matter of aging or physical wear and tear, as once thought. Instead, it’s a more complex process often involving the body’s inability to repair micro-damage in the joints. “We used to think osteoarthritis was just due to wear and tear,” Dr. Brunel said. “But what we now know is that the problem lies more in the failure of the body to repair these small daily injuries to our joints.”
Why We Experience Pain
Pain is a natural defense mechanism that signals injury and encourages rest. It’s one of the five cardinal symptoms of inflammation—along with redness, heat, swelling, and loss of function. Ideally, pain is temporary and should subside as healing occurs. However, when pain becomes chronic it signifies ongoing inflammation and tissue breakdown that the body isn’t effectively resolving.
Chronic joint pain not only affects mobility but can also have broader health consequences. “People often stop exercising when they experience joint pain, which is understandable,” said Dr. Brunel. “But long-term inactivity can exacerbate the issue by weakening the muscles that support the joints, leading to even more pain and stiffness.”
The Causes Behind Joint Pain and Arthritis
According to Dr. Brunel, joint degeneration can occur for several reasons. In athletes, for example, the increased risk of osteoarthritis is often linked to repeated injuries rather than the high-impact nature of their sports. Injuries disrupt the natural structure of the joint, leading to inflammation and wear over time.
On the flip side, sedentary lifestyles can also contribute to arthritis. A lack of activity leads to muscle atrophy and reduced joint support, making it easier for damage to accumulate. Aging compounds the problem, as muscle mass and energy production—both essential for tissue repair—tend to decline with age.
Additionally, certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are autoimmune in nature. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissue, causing inflammation and damage. Probiotics may help restore immune balance in such conditions, reducing misdirected immune responses.
A Three-Step Approach to Joint Pain Management
Dr. Brunel outlined a three-stage approach to managing osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain: reduce inflammation, support tissue cleanup, and rebuild the joints.
1. Reducing Inflammation
The first and most immediate goal in managing joint pain is reducing inflammation. “Inflammation is what drives the pain and damage,” Dr. Brunel said. He frequently recommends omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, as a foundational supplement. These essential fats integrate into cell membranes, altering the inflammatory cascade at a cellular level by replacing pro-inflammatory molecules with anti-inflammatory ones.
He also highlighted the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin (from turmeric) and boswellia, two plant extracts supported by robust research. These natural compounds are particularly effective because they inhibit both major inflammatory pathways in the body (COX and LOX), something few prescription or natural remedies can achieve.
2. Tissue Cleanup with Proteolytic Enzymes
Once inflammation is under control, the next step is clearing out the cellular debris caused by injury. “When tissues are damaged, they leave behind dead cells and proteins that need to be cleaned up to promote healing,” explained Dr. Brunel.
He often recommends proteolytic enzymes such as serrapeptase, bromelain, and trypsin. These enzymes help break down inflammatory molecules and speed up recovery by removing waste products from damaged tissues. This stage supports a smoother and more efficient healing process.
3. Joint Repair and Rebuilding
The final and most long-term phase focuses on rebuilding and nourishing joint structures, particularly cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. For this, Dr. Brunel uses supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), and NEM (natural eggshell membrane). These compounds provide the building blocks necessary for joint tissue repair and regeneration.
NEM, in particular, contains types I and V collagen, which are essential for strong connective tissue. Studies have shown that when taken consistently, these supplements can significantly reduce joint pain and improve mobility, especially in individuals with osteoarthritic knees.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
Of course, supplements are only part of the picture. Dr. Brunel underscored the importance of anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean diet or the updated Canada’s Food Guide, both of which emphasize whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Physical activity also plays a pivotal role. “Even though rest is essential after an acute injury, long-term movement is vital,” he said. Exercise stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation, and maintains muscle strength, all of which help support joint health. Where high-impact activity may be problematic, Dr. Brunel often recommends alternatives like swimming, cycling, or upper-body training, depending on the location of the injury.
Final Thoughts
Joint pain and arthritis may not be curable, but as Dr. Brunel made clear, they are manageable—and more importantly, they don’t have to derail a healthy, active life. With the right combination of diet, movement, and targeted supplementation, many individuals can significantly reduce pain, regain mobility, and improve their overall quality of life.
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from injury or someone facing age-related stiffness, understanding the root causes and stages of joint pain is the first step toward long-term relief.
