Inflammation is in the news a lot these days. It is a buzz word that you hear a lot about in health and wellness circles. While most people have heard or read about inflammation they may not know what it is.

The Definition of Inflammation is a localized physical condition in which a part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.

To make it simpler, when you get an injury (bruise, break or bump) or infection your body responds with inflammation. Inflammation is an immune response to protect your body from further injury. inflammation is characterized by swelling, redness, heat, stiffness, pain & loss of function. When the injury/infection occurs, the body increases blood flow to the area. When there is more blood in an area, the area gets warm and looks red. Because there is more blood in the area, it larger and is “swollen”. More fluid in the area creates more pressure. The increased pressure pushes on the nerves and causes pain. The swelling can inhibit movement and cause decreased function. Continue reading →