Muscle aches, joint stiffness, tendon soreness… they’re often written off as a “normal” part of aging, overuse, or stress. And yes—sometimes they are. But in my world, we don’t stop at “normal.” We ask why?
Functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to pain. Instead of suppressing symptoms with quick fixes like NSAIDs or ice packs (although those may have their place), we look upstream to understand what’s driving the pain in the first place.
Here are some of the most common root causes I see when it comes to persistent pain in muscles, joints, and connective tissue:
1. Chronic Inflammation
Low-grade, systemic inflammation is a major player in pain—especially when there’s no clear injury. This kind of inflammation doesn’t always show up with swelling or redness. It can quietly simmer for years, setting the stage for joint degeneration, muscle breakdown, and connective tissue damage.
Where does this inflammation come from? Often from:
- Poor blood sugar regulation
- Processed foods and seed oils
- Hidden food sensitivities
- Gut imbalances
- Environmental toxins
- Chronic stress
You don’t have to have an “-itis” diagnosis (like arthritis or tendonitis) to be inflamed. If your joints feel stiff in the morning, or your muscles ache more than they should after a workout, inflammation might be driving it.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
Your tissues need raw materials to heal, rebuild, and stay strong. Deficiencies in key nutrients—especially magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin C, omega-3s, and protein—can leave your muscles and joints more vulnerable to pain and injury.
One that’s often overlooked? Collagen. It’s the most abundant protein in your body and a building block for ligaments, tendons, and fascia. As we age (and especially under stress or with gut issues), collagen production naturally declines.
If your connective tissue feels weaker or less resilient—or you’re dealing with slow healing—this is one place to look.
3. Blood Sugar Dysregulation
This one surprises people.
When your blood sugar is on a rollercoaster—spiking high and crashing low—it creates oxidative stress and inflammation that damage tissues. Chronically elevated insulin (common even in people without diabetes) can also drive fluid retention and stiffness, especially in the hands, feet, and knees.
This is one of the reasons I focus so much on protein-forward meals and strength training in my programs. It’s not just about body composition—it’s about protecting your joints and muscles from the inside out.
4. Gut Imbalances & Leaky Gut
Your gut and your joints are more connected than you might think.
When your gut lining becomes compromised—a phenomenon known as increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”—larger food particles and bacterial fragments can enter the bloodstream and trigger immune responses. In some people, that immune reaction targets the joints and connective tissue.
If you’ve dealt with bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, or even skin issues, chances are your gut is also playing a role in your pain picture.
5. Hidden Infections or Immune Activation
Certain stealth infections (like Lyme, Epstein-Barr virus, or even gut pathogens) can cause immune activation that leads to widespread joint or muscle pain. In some cases, the immune system gets confused and starts attacking your own tissues, creating an autoimmune situation.
This is why I always look at the bigger picture—not just “where does it hurt?” but what else is going on in the body that might be lighting the fire?
6. Hormonal Shifts
Especially in perimenopause and menopause, dropping estrogen and progesterone levels can affect joint lubrication, collagen synthesis, and inflammation levels. Women in their 40s and 50s often report new aches and pains that seem to come out of nowhere. They’re not imagining it.
Supporting hormonal balance—not just slapping on bioidenticals, but really looking at liver detox, adrenal health, and insulin sensitivity—can be a game changer here.
Final Thoughts
Muscle, joint, and ligament pain is not just a wear-and-tear issue. It’s often a red flag pointing to deeper imbalances—ones we can address with the right food, movement, nutrients, and lifestyle shifts.
If you’ve been told to just “live with it,” I’m here to tell you: You don’t have to.
In my work, I help clients uncover what their bodies are really asking for—so they can move, lift, stretch, and live with strength and ease again.
Have you been dealing with nagging pain? Let me know what’s been showing up for you, and I can help you start thinking about next steps. Click HERE to reach out.
