Osteoarthritis is considered the most common form of arthritis and the one most often found in seniors. It is estimated that 20 million Americans have arthritis, and the annual societal cost is close to $95 billion. Osteoarthritis is also more common among women than among men.
Although age is an obvious factor in many cases of osteoarthritis, it’s also very clear that there are other areas of concern, such as sports injuries, or perhaps a previous auto accident, Any previous injury, broken bone etc. can become a contributing factor in later life to one’s osteoarthritis condition. Obesity is a worrying problem in our modern world and has a significant effect on those suffering with OA. Osteoarthritis is most commonly found in the hands, knees, hips and back.
OA is however far less common in the shoulder area than in other joints, however it can develop in the shoulder joint (the glenohumeral joint). In such cases, it is most often associated with a previous injury, and patients gradually develop pain and stiffness in the back of the shoulder. Some of the factors contributing to disease susceptibility include genetics, body mass, previous history of trauma to a major limb, occupational influences, and immobilization.
Being overweight is a modern day epidemic, one witch can have serious consequences for all of us especially arthritics suffering with osteoarthritis. Losing those excess pounds will lessen the strain on the load bearing joints, which in turn will help one’s OA.
Osteoarthritis is unfortunately an on going condition
Recent research has discovered that although OA is not classed as an inflammatory condition, arthritics afflicted with osteoarthritis do in many cases have some of the same characteristics as those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, namely an unusually high number of inflammatory cells found in and around the affected joint.
OA as we know is a very common and unfortunately an on going condition, which does tend to kick in as our body’s get older, however more recently reported cases of OA indicate the conditions apparent rise amongst a younger population, which is set to become a significant health issue in the near future. So, while it is still true to say that OA is more prevalent with age, it is not true to describe osteoarthritis as an inevitable part of growing older.
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
When the cartilage starts to break up, the joints protective area becomes swollen, and can look like a mild case of 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.
At the hip and knee, an uncomplicated joint replacement has only around an 85% chance of still being intact and functioning after 15 years, however replacement joint surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Osteoarthritis Relief Through Exercise
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.
Arthritis Supplements are Not Regulated by the FDA
New wonder drug, all-curing arthritis supplements seem to appear daily, while it’s true that many supplements can help people with arthritis, caution should be shown. Many of these food supplements do not fall under the FDA guidelines as they are not classed as drugs. If you want to try supplements make sure the manufacturer subscribes to FDA guidelines.
Treating Your Arthritis Without Drugs
Why risk using such harmful drug therapies, when most forms of arthritis may indeed be successfully treated using a combination of simple lifestyle changes. Simple changes to diet will defiantly help, in fact, Using a couple of everyday items you may already have in your kitchen cupboard can successfully reduce swelling and pain from one’s joints when taken in the right combination.
Flush the Body of All it’s Poisonous Debris - And Watch Your Health Improve!
Drinking water has proven to be beneficial in the control of one’s arthritic condition, drinking at least 2 litres a day (filtered if possible), helps to flush the body of toxins. Only use filtered or bottled water, due to the metal content of unfiltered.
People suffering with osteoarthritis may like to experiment with their diet, foods which are known to be good for OA and indeed most types of arthritis are fresh fruit due to the fantastic natural antioxidant properties they contain,(not the citrus variety), Oily fish is especially good for those suffering with arthritis due to it’s high content of fatty acids and vitamin E.
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.
