Facts and remedies for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage is broken in the joint. Although it may affect joints in the body, it usually occurs in joints supporting weight such as hip joints, knees, and spine. In addition, it also usually affects fingers, thumbs, toes, and neck.

Who is affected?

Osteoarthritis affects about 21 million Americans. Most people are at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis as they get older but it is important to recognize that people in their twenties and thirties may get into this condition as well.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include,

• Pain after overuse (or after a long pause)
• Joint swelling
• Joint fluid reservoir
• Pains, painful joints (especially movement)
• Bone enlargement in middle and terminal joints of the fingers (although they are sometimes painless)

Cause of osteoarthritis

One of the main causes of osteoarthritis is the aging process. Over time, the moisture content of cartilage increases, but the protein composition of cartilage gradually begins to degenerate during this period. It is a natural state of aging that can not do anything reverse.

However, in addition to aging, there are other factors that contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis.

• Genetics
• Overweight
• Joint damage
• Too much stress on joints
• Repetitive use of joints

Interestingly, women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after 50 years of age. However, men under the age of 50 are more likely to develop this condition than women of the same age. Researchers have not missed important clues to clarify why they look like this.

Some diseases are at high risk of developing osteoarthritis. Acromegaly and erythroblastosis are two of these. For acromegaly, tissue is gradually expanding Growth hormone is too much metabolic disorder. Hemachromatosis prevents the ability of the body to degrade iron and excessive iron absorption from the intestine.

Treatment options

Osteoarthritis is not treatable, but patients in this state have several effective treatments routinely prescribed.

• Prescription drugs - anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, celebrex, injections of corticosteroids, etc.
• Weight control
• Motion
• Physical therapy
• Natural therapy (alternative therapy) such as massage therapy, acupuncture and moxa, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, natural supplements etc.

Among the available treatments, exercise and weight management are considered to be most effective due to long-term good health effects obtained by regular exercise and maintenance of healthy weight.

Movement, in particular, improves the movement of the joint and helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. Swimming and walking are two of the most commonly practiced exercises for those suffering from osteoarthritis. These activities are the least stressful on joints.