Osteoarthritis is known to be amongst the most debilitating of diseases, and is clearly the most common type of arthritis. Our population has become riddled with this terrible affliction, with millions of new cases reported annually. The overall cost to society could be nearing $100 billion. While Osteoarthritis is not linked directly to sex, it is apparent that the disease is far more common in women.
In addition to age, risk factors for osteoarthritis include joint injury and being overweight (especially for knee and hip osteoarthritis). Symptoms are most often prevalent in the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck.
The shoulder joint seems to shrug off OA, (excuse the pun), it's not true to say that one can not have OA in one's shoulder, its just not that common. More often than not symptoms of painful OA in the shoulder will normally be as a result of a past trauma or maybe even a previous operation. The reasons for being afflicted with OA are hard to pinpoint, however one's occupation, weight, and family history may all play a part.
It is unclear whether excess weight influences OA or whether OA contributes to obesity, either way it is clear that losing excess weight can only help one's osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is unfortunately an on going condition
OA is not normally thought of as being an inflammatory arthritis condition, having said that, recent studies have indicated that arthritics who suffer with osteoarthritis do carry a greater level of cells which cause the inflammation of the joint area.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic conditions affecting older adults and a significant public health problem among adults of working age. Although the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the condition is not a normal part of the ageing process.
Osteoarthritis is a variable disease, as there are many different types, affecting different joints, and is considered a progressive disease that worsens over time. Patients can develop other symptoms such as loss of movement, stiffness and swelling in the hip and snapping of the hip.
Joint Deterioration
OA will eventually begin to destroy the cartilage, which can cause the area around the affected joint to become inflamed, the inflammation in some cases might resemble rheumatoid arthritis.
The inflammation is usually brought on by broken cartilage fragments drifting in to the synovial space. Excessive swelling of the joint can cause problems and restrict movement.
The effects of osteoarthritis are normally felt at their worst in the morning or last thing at night. With a progressive condition such as OA, surgery is usually the inevitable end result especially in older arthritics, younger patients will normally only be offered joint replacement in exceptional circumstances.
Hip and knee surgery is the most common type of joint replacement carried out today, most operations are successful, however in the long term the replaced joint will only have around an 85% chance of still being intact, around 15 years is often mentioned as the average life-span of these join replacements. Joint replacement is the last resort.
Exercise can Help
Low impact exercising is not thought to be damaging to those suffering with OA, In most cases simple exercising is encouraged as a way of re-gaining some mobility in an effected joint, an ongoing exercise program can also help to strengthen the area around the joint, which aids support. Exercising on a regular basis is known to be beneficial for numerous reasons, apart from OA.
Remember one should always talk to a physician about what types of exercise would appropriate for one's particular condition. A health care professional will be able to recommend an appropriate exercise program.
Only use FDA Regulated Arthritis Supplements
Don't be tempted in to taking supplements that promise the earth, yes they just might work for you, however unless they are governed by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) who knows what your taking, you may end up with a container full of capsules containing nothing more than, ground rock and chalk. Only use FDA approved products.
Treating Your Arthritis Without Drugs
In many cases arthritis drugs carry so many side effects, and occasionally make the condition worse, not better. Many old and indeed new alternative treatments exist which have been shown to relieve arthritis, I believe they work by tackling the underlying elements of the condition (even in OA)
Flush the Body of All it's Poisonous Debris - And Watch Your Health Improve!
Drinking large amounts of water daily is a great and easy way of flushing out the damaging debris and toxins which build up in the body. Removing these trapped toxins can have a fantastic effect on most forms of arthritis, including OA. Try to drink filtered or mineral water as opposed to tap water, this is mainly due to the fact that ordinary tap water tends to contain heavy metal.
Fresh fruit is known to be a great natural anti-oxidant, especially apples and fresh berries, (avoid citrus fruits).Foods which are known to be beneficial to those suffering with OA might include, Fish that typically contain the highest levels of vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Natural alternatives to treating one's arthritis, whichever type you have, do exist and may be far more effective than the aggressive prescribed drugs used to treat the condition. Alternative treatments or approaches tackle the underlying problems associated with arthritis, not just the symptoms. Why not try a natural approach to your condition, most only involve simple life changes, it has to be better than the harsh drugs your doctor's prescribed. - 15437
In addition to age, risk factors for osteoarthritis include joint injury and being overweight (especially for knee and hip osteoarthritis). Symptoms are most often prevalent in the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck.
The shoulder joint seems to shrug off OA, (excuse the pun), it's not true to say that one can not have OA in one's shoulder, its just not that common. More often than not symptoms of painful OA in the shoulder will normally be as a result of a past trauma or maybe even a previous operation. The reasons for being afflicted with OA are hard to pinpoint, however one's occupation, weight, and family history may all play a part.
It is unclear whether excess weight influences OA or whether OA contributes to obesity, either way it is clear that losing excess weight can only help one's osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is unfortunately an on going condition
OA is not normally thought of as being an inflammatory arthritis condition, having said that, recent studies have indicated that arthritics who suffer with osteoarthritis do carry a greater level of cells which cause the inflammation of the joint area.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic conditions affecting older adults and a significant public health problem among adults of working age. Although the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the condition is not a normal part of the ageing process.
Osteoarthritis is a variable disease, as there are many different types, affecting different joints, and is considered a progressive disease that worsens over time. Patients can develop other symptoms such as loss of movement, stiffness and swelling in the hip and snapping of the hip.
Joint Deterioration
OA will eventually begin to destroy the cartilage, which can cause the area around the affected joint to become inflamed, the inflammation in some cases might resemble rheumatoid arthritis.
The inflammation is usually brought on by broken cartilage fragments drifting in to the synovial space. Excessive swelling of the joint can cause problems and restrict movement.
The effects of osteoarthritis are normally felt at their worst in the morning or last thing at night. With a progressive condition such as OA, surgery is usually the inevitable end result especially in older arthritics, younger patients will normally only be offered joint replacement in exceptional circumstances.
Hip and knee surgery is the most common type of joint replacement carried out today, most operations are successful, however in the long term the replaced joint will only have around an 85% chance of still being intact, around 15 years is often mentioned as the average life-span of these join replacements. Joint replacement is the last resort.
Exercise can Help
Low impact exercising is not thought to be damaging to those suffering with OA, In most cases simple exercising is encouraged as a way of re-gaining some mobility in an effected joint, an ongoing exercise program can also help to strengthen the area around the joint, which aids support. Exercising on a regular basis is known to be beneficial for numerous reasons, apart from OA.
Remember one should always talk to a physician about what types of exercise would appropriate for one's particular condition. A health care professional will be able to recommend an appropriate exercise program.
Only use FDA Regulated Arthritis Supplements
Don't be tempted in to taking supplements that promise the earth, yes they just might work for you, however unless they are governed by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) who knows what your taking, you may end up with a container full of capsules containing nothing more than, ground rock and chalk. Only use FDA approved products.
Treating Your Arthritis Without Drugs
In many cases arthritis drugs carry so many side effects, and occasionally make the condition worse, not better. Many old and indeed new alternative treatments exist which have been shown to relieve arthritis, I believe they work by tackling the underlying elements of the condition (even in OA)
Flush the Body of All it's Poisonous Debris - And Watch Your Health Improve!
Drinking large amounts of water daily is a great and easy way of flushing out the damaging debris and toxins which build up in the body. Removing these trapped toxins can have a fantastic effect on most forms of arthritis, including OA. Try to drink filtered or mineral water as opposed to tap water, this is mainly due to the fact that ordinary tap water tends to contain heavy metal.
Fresh fruit is known to be a great natural anti-oxidant, especially apples and fresh berries, (avoid citrus fruits).Foods which are known to be beneficial to those suffering with OA might include, Fish that typically contain the highest levels of vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Natural alternatives to treating one's arthritis, whichever type you have, do exist and may be far more effective than the aggressive prescribed drugs used to treat the condition. Alternative treatments or approaches tackle the underlying problems associated with arthritis, not just the symptoms. Why not try a natural approach to your condition, most only involve simple life changes, it has to be better than the harsh drugs your doctor's prescribed. - 15437
About the Author:
Discover how to reduce your arthritis pain and inflammation...quickly, using A Simple & Practical Method This method is not new but does really work. If your looking for a safe and effective way of treating your arthritis pain without drugs, supplements or complete diet change, visit Cure Your Arthritis for a drug free alternative.
