Osteoarthritis
What is Osteoarthritis?
The most diagnosed form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Doctors diagnose this type of arthritis more than any other. About eighty percent of the population will have some signs of this type of arthritis by age sixty-five. Even though, not all of those will experience the symptoms of the disease.
It is the breakdown of the cartilage around the joints that causes arthritis pain. With a loss of the cartilage moving the joints becomes very painful. An osteoarthritis patient feels pain any time a joint must bear weight. When this occurs, a person may lose the ability and the desire to move about. The mistake made is the lack of movement only makes the problem worse.
With osteoarthritis being so wide spread, it has inspired a lot of research. Even with all the massive research, there is still no known cure for osteoarthritis. People who have osteoarthritis must be pro-active and simply learn to live it. Finding the best and safest ways for them to relieve the pain can be a tough job. Getting the weight off the affected joints, reducing the amount of weight the patient can keep the pain to a minimum.
Pain Relievers
Mild pain relievers can manage the pain in most cases. Most cases generally require no need of heavier medications unless the condition has become so severe that the pain is intolerable.
Osteoarthritis Relief
More often than not the pain of osteoarthritis can be relieved with simple lifestyle changes. The biggest red letter change at the top of the list that is the most beneficial lifestyle changes is weight loss. It is one of the best things a person can do for overall health and to relieve joint pain. It is a known fact that obesity is considered a major factor in osteoarthritis. All the extra weight placed on the joints increases the pain surrounding the degenerated cartilage. Seen more often the weight causes the biggest problems in the knees.
Herbal Treatments
The doctor will know if the herbal treatments you have in mind will cause problems the medications he has you on.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine like some herbal supplements can be very beneficial to those suffering with osteoarthritis. To considering one of these treatments for your condition, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor first. Some herbal treatments can cause a problem with other medications that you are taking. Your doctor will be able to tell whether the herbal treatments that you are considering will have any impact on the medications that you may be taking.
Preventative Actions
It is not possible to prevent osteoarthritis altogether. Preventative action like keeping your weight down, maintaining an active lifestyle you can probably put it off for a long time! Some research has shown that there is a heredity factor involved in osteoarthritis. If you know that other members of your family have the condition, be sure that you watch your weight and stay fit so that you can avoid effects of osteoarthritis for as long as possible.