Dealing With Osteoarthritis

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Friday, March 12th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed

Does lifting a book or a bag cause pain in your hand or shoulder? Does bending down to pick up a brown boot on the floor prove to be very difficult? If yes, then it’s possible that you already have osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is just one form of arthritis. And it’s the most common too. It goes by other names as well, including: degenerative arthritis, OA, wear-and-tear arthritis and osteoarthrosis. This disease can affect any joint in your body. However, it usually affects the knees, hips, back and hands.

This joint disease can be caused by a number of things. It can be because of obesity, trauma, heredity and age. It may also be due to repeated use of a body part. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage - a connective tissue functioning as the joint’s protective pads - becomes worn out. Pain and swelling is experienced in the affected areas. Because of this, the normal range of motion may become limited.

As soon as you suspect you’re suffering from it, it’s important that you immediately see your doctor. A physical examination should reveal whether or not you’re afflicted with the disease. Based on the findings, a treatment mode will have to be given, to help deal with the signs and symptoms.

It’s not unlikely for medications to be prescribed. Analgesic has to be taken for pain. While for swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are usually given. For severe cases, there are also medications administered through injection.

As mentioned earlier, obesity can be a causative factor. If such is your case, then it’s important for you to shed off unnecessary pounds. Adapting a particular diet recommended by your doctor will help you lose weight, thus relieving excessive pressure on your joints. Such diet will also exclude foods that may worsen the condition.

You may also be referred to a physical therapist. A physical therapist will provide you with exercises which you can use to your advantage. They will help you improve your normal range of motion. Also, they will assist in strengthening your muscles and increasing your flexibility.

Supplements, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets, will help in slowing down the deterioration of cartilage. Glucosamine is naturally produced by the body. But its production tends to slow down with age. Other supplements may include ingredients such as chrondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

If your osteoarthritis is mild, the above remedies might help you lead a normal life once more. In no time, you’ll be back doing your usual activities, like playing your ibanez acoustic electric guitar. However, for severe cases, undergoing surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain or damage.

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