Are you noticing as you mature you are experiencing stiffness or
pain in your knees, ankles, back, and elbows? If you are 35 or
older symptoms like these may be the early signs of
Osteoarthritis.
What is Osteoarthritis?
According to the US government's National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases "Osteoarthritis is the
most common type of arthritis, especially among older people.
Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or
osteoarthrosis."
Moreover Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects
the cartilage. Cartilage is the protective slippery tissue that
covers the ends of the bones in a joint.
Unlike other forms of arthritis which may affect internal organs
Osteoarthritis primarily causes problems between the cartilage
and joints.
Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It
also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement.
In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down
and wears away.
In other words as we mature you can start to experience
Osteoarthritis because the cartilage between you knees, back,
and other joints may begin to erode or wear away.
This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing
pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the
joint may lose its normal shape. Also bone spurs, small growths
called entophytes, may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of
bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint
space.
This condition of course causes more pain and damage.
According to government studies Osteoarthritis affects about 20
million Americans. Over 50 % of Americans over 65 have
osteoarthritis in a least one joint.
It is more common for men than women to have osteoarthritis
before 45. However after 45 it is more common for women to
experience the symptoms of this condition.
Research shows by 2030 70 million Americans will be over the age
of 65 and may be at risk for osteoarthritis. While younger
people may get osteoarthritis from sports related knee and joint
injuries, osteoarthritis is primarily a condition more mature
people experience.
If you experience symptoms like the ones described above talk to
you doctor to see if you have osteoarthritis or some other
condition.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis seem to appear in the knee, lower
back, ends of the fingers, back of the neck, thumbs and hips.
Some of the treatments the doctor may prescribe are:
1. - Exercise is inexpensive and may help with a number of
health problems including certain forms of osteoarthritis.
As you may know exercise can help improve your attitude,
disposition, mood and overall outlook, decrease pain, increase
flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight,
and promote general physical fitness.
Reports have shown if done correctly, it has few negative side
effects. The amount and form of exercise will depend on which
joints are involved, how stable the joints are, and whether a
joint replacement has already been done.
The proper exercise may help you recapture some range of
movement in stiff joints.
2. - Weight control: If you suffer from Osteoarthritis and are
overweight or obese you should look to lose weight. Weight loss
can help to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and limit
further injury. A dietitian can or knowledgeable fitness coach
can help you develop healthy eating habits. A healthy diet and
regular exercise of 3 to 6 days a week can help reduce weight.
3. - Medicines: Doctors prescribe medicines to eliminate or
reduce pain and to improve functioning. Doctors consider a
number of before giving you medicines for osteoarthritis. Two
important considerations are the intensity of your pain and the
potential side effects of the medicine.
You must use medicines carefully and tell your doctors about any
changes that occur with your health.
4 - Surgery : As a last resort a surgery to replace a joint may
be in order from your doctor.
For many people, surgery helps relieve the pain and disability
of osteoarthritis. Surgery may be performed to remove loose
pieces of bone and cartilage from the joint if they are causing
mechanical symptoms of buckling or locking Resurface
(smooth out) bones Reposition bones Replace joints.
Surgeons may replace affected joints with artificial joints
called prostheses. These joints can be made from metal alloys,
high-density plastic, and ceramic material.
Before undertaking expensive surgery or investing in pricey
medicines perhaps you should consider taking a health supplement
called Phosoplex. Phosoplex a product of Optimal Therapeutics,
boasts some of the best ingredients available to help alleviate
pain associated with Osteoarthritis.
I have used Phosoplex when training in fitness activity to help
rid myself of knee and back pain. I would strongly recommend
you investigating this quality product if you seek relief from
Osteoarthritis.
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