Sunday, October 20, 2013

My Knee Joint Hurts! Be Sure to Ask These Crucial Questions Before Your Doctor Starts Treatment


There are many types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis- a breakdown and loss of joint cartilage. A wear and tear type of condition, it is found mostly in seniors, but younger people can also suffer from it's painful effects.

Your first line of defense against arthritis is probably an over- the- counter pain reliever. It may help, but as you lose more cartilage, the effectiveness wears off.

Next, is usually a trip to your doctor. You should be able to receive an accurate diagnosis of your problem, but make sure you ask the right questions concerning your treatment. For osteoarthritis, common treatments include cortisone shots, or a prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug know as NSAID.

Cortisone injections are usually safe and can give satisfactory arthritis pain control in many cases, but only for a short time. Usually though, doctors will put a limit on the number of injections given, because they can cause a weakening of the tendons.

Another doctors' choice is one of the NSAID type of drugs for pain relief. These are powerful medications which can also cause serious side effects. These drugs are heavily advertised on TV and widely prescribed. Make sure your doctor thoroughly explains the negatives associated with these drugs. Also, ask your doctor about possible interactions with any medications you may be taking.

A common thread with both cortisone injections and NSAID drugs is that these treatments do not correct the condition. All they really do is treat the symptoms, but not the problem itself. So, while your joints may feel better, they are still deteriorating. And the NSAIDs come complete with horrific side effects, which can be damaging and sometimes even fatal.

If your doctor suggests NSAID medications, make sure to ask for what period of time. Remember, those type of drugs only help control the pain-nothing else. They do nothing to correct anything and can actually make things worse.

You want to know about the long-term result of any treatment you're offered. If you aren't getting a real solution, your future options usually come down to more limited mobility, or painful joint replacement. Not a pleasant picture, but you may have a better choice.

Ask your doctor how much cartilage is left. If there is some amount remaining, why not try a good natural solution, which can start to regenerate the cartilage, stop arthritis pain and prevent painful surgery.

Undoubtedly, you won't receive much support or help from your doctor if you bring up that subject. The reason is that your doctor receives very little in the way of natural healing, or nutritional information from traditional medical training.

A good, natural remedy won't interfere with any treatment you are receiving and can help in stopping arthritis pain and restoring the cartilage. And you don't have to worry about potential drug interactions, or the deadly side effects of NSAID drugs.

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