What Is Osteoarthritis And How Is It Treated?
Do you feel pain in your hand or shoulder when lifting a bag? Do you feel pain in your hip when bending down to look for your other brown boot under the bed? If so, you could be suffering from 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.
How does this joint disease take place? A cartilage is a connective tissue found where bones form a joint. It provides cushion and lubrication necessary for movements. However, cartilages may get damaged through overuse or as you normally age. Pain and inflammation is present in affected areas of the body. Your movements become limited as well. Aside from overusing a body part and aging, other causative factors include: obesity, injury and even heredity.
If you’re suffering from this joint disease, there are ways to effectively reduce the signs and symptoms. But first, it’s important to visit a doctor. An examination should reveal whether it’s actually osteoarthritis you’re suffering from. Based on the findings, your doctor will come up with a suitable mode of treatment.
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.
Glucosamine is a type of protein produced by the body, and is necessary for building and repairing cartilages. But as you age, its production wears down. That’s why taking supplements like Kirkland glucosamine tablets will assist regaining the health of your joints. Omega-3 fatty acids, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and chrondroitin are other substances known to be beneficial for the joints.
When you cooperate with your doctor and take good care of your joints, in no time you can get back to having a normal life. You can once more play your ibanez acoustic electric guitar or engage in recreation with your kids. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and ease the symptoms.

