Real Alternative Osteoarthritis Treatments

Osteoarthritis is known to be amongst the most debilitating of diseases, and is clearly the most common type of arthritis. Our population has become riddled with this terrible affliction, with millions of new cases reported annually. The overall cost to society could be nearing $100 billion. While Osteoarthritis is not linked directly to sex, it is apparent that the disease is far more common in women.

In addition to age, risk factors for osteoarthritis include joint injury and being overweight (especially for knee and hip osteoarthritis). Symptoms are most often prevalent in the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck.

OA is however far less common in the shoulder area than in other joints, however it can develop in the shoulder joint (the glenohumeral joint). In such cases, it is most often associated with a previous injury, and patients gradually develop pain and stiffness in the back of the shoulder. Some of the factors contributing to disease susceptibility include genetics, body mass, previous history of trauma to a major limb, occupational influences, and immobilization.

No one is quite sure of the influences of excess weight on osteoarthritis, Does the weight issue actually cause the condition, or does having OA encourage obesity, it’s hard to say (much like the chicken and the egg, I guess). Having said that, what is clear is that a reduction in excess weight will be of benefit to those with OA.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition

OA is not normally thought of as being an inflammatory arthritis condition, having said that, recent studies have indicated that arthritics who suffer with osteoarthritis do carry a greater level of cells which cause the inflammation of the joint area.

OA as we know is a very common and unfortunately an on going condition, which does tend to kick in as our body’s get older, however more recently reported cases of OA indicate the conditions apparent rise amongst a younger population, which is set to become a significant health issue in the near future. So, while it is still true to say that OA is more prevalent with age, it is not true to describe osteoarthritis as an inevitable part of growing older.

OA is not a disease linked to one area of the body, there are many variations of osteoarthritis, which can attack many different joints throughout one’s body. Unfortunately with most cases of OA the condition gathers momentum with time, with symptoms ranging form stiffness and pain to complete loss of mobility in the effected limb.

The Inevitable Deterioration of the Joint

The breaking up of the cartilage can cause Inflammation of the surrounding joint capsule, though often mild, compared to that which occurs in rheumatoid arthritis.

The swelling is brought on by tiny pieces of the damaged bone finding its way in to the synovial space. Many severe cases of swelling attributed to OA may impair joint mobility.

The effects of osteoarthritis are normally felt at their worst in the morning or last thing at night. With a progressive condition such as OA, surgery is usually the inevitable end result especially in older arthritics, younger patients will normally only be offered joint replacement in exceptional circumstances.

A typical hip or knee joint replacement although common, still only has an 85% chance of being in full functioning condition after around 15 years, Having said that a joint replacement may sometimes be the only avenue to go down, especially in severe cases where mobility has become an issue.

Exercise can Help

Low impact exercising is not thought to be damaging to those suffering with OA, In most cases simple exercising is encouraged as a way of re-gaining some mobility in an effected joint, an ongoing exercise program can also help to strengthen the area around the joint, which aids support. Exercising on a regular basis is known to be beneficial for numerous reasons, apart from OA.

Remember one should always talk to a physician about what types of exercise would appropriate for one’s particular condition. A health care professional will be able to recommend an appropriate exercise program.

Not All Arthritis Supplements are Regulated by the FDA

New wonder drug, all-curing arthritis supplements seem to appear daily, while it’s true that many supplements can help people with arthritis, caution should be shown. Many of these food supplements do not fall under the FDA guidelines as they are not classed as drugs. If you want to try supplements make sure the manufacturer subscribes to FDA guidelines.

Treat Arthritis The Natural Way

In many cases arthritis drugs carry so many side effects, and occasionally make the condition worse, not better. Many old and indeed new alternative treatments exist which have been shown to relieve arthritis, I believe they work by tackling the underlying elements of the condition (even in OA)

Flush the Toxins from Your Body - And Start Recovering!

Drinking water has proven to be beneficial in the control of one’s arthritic condition, drinking at least 2 litres a day (filtered if possible), helps to flush the body of toxins. Only use filtered or bottled water, due to the metal content of unfiltered.

Eat lots of fruit, make it part of your everyday routine, most fresh fruit contain natures best antioxidant, most fruit will help one’s arthritis, However avoid the citrus variety. Other food which is known to be beneficial to many suffering with OA are oily fish which contain high levels of fatty acids and vitamin E.

Alternative arthritis medicine and practices can and will address one’s condition Natural practices are known to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness with dramatic results, these same natural treatments can greatly improve mobility in the effected joint. Take a good look around and try a few of the ideas, most of the information is free if you keep looking.