Alternative Osteoarthritis Treatments
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.
Although osteoarthritis can be linked to age, other risk factors may be evident, such as previous injury or trauma. Unfortunately for today’s society, with its ever expanding waistline, obesity can have a detrimental effect on osteoarthritis especially in the load bearing joints. Osteoarthritis symptoms will in most cases attack one’s hands, back, knees and very commonly their hips
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.
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 a chronic disease (re-occurring)
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.
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 cartilage fragments are released into the synovial space, and the cells lining the joint. Inflammation can prevent the normal use of the joint and cause it to lose the ability to function properly.
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
Exercising can be very beneficial for those suffering with osteoarthritis, but only at sensible levels which do not put undue strain or pressure on the effected joint. Using exercise is a great way of increasing movement and function of arthritic joints, over time and a sensible exercise programme it is possible to strengthen the tissue, muscle and tendons around the joint, which will help support the damaged joint. Exercising is also great for the rest of the body.
Always consult with your physician or health care professional before embarking on any kind of exercise regime, as in most cases they will be able to advise you ow which exercise would be suitable for your condition.
Only use FDA Regulated Arthritis Supplements
More and More dietary supplements are appearing on the market, associated with gout and indeed all forms of arthritis, however many are not regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug administration and therefore one should always take care, ingredients may not always be what they say.
Treat Arthritis The Natural Way
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)
Remove the Harmful Toxins – and Start Feeling Better!
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.
Eat lots of fruit, make it part of your everyday routine, most fresh fruit contain natures best antioxidant, most fruit will help one’s arthritis, However avoid the citrus variety. Other food which is known to be beneficial to many suffering with OA are oily fish which contain high levels of fatty acids and vitamin E.
Alternative arthritis medicine and practices can and will address one’s condition Natural practices are known to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness with dramatic results, these same natural treatments can greatly improve mobility in the effected joint. Take a good look around and try a few of the ideas, most of the information is free if you keep looking.
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