Dealing With Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is perhaps the most common type of arthritis which affects most people. The condition is more prevalent among adults especially women. Also known as the wear and tear arthritis or degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis involves a progressive degeneration or deterioration of a particular joint or group of joints. Weight-bearing joints such as those found in the arms, legs, back, and hips are the primary locations of damage. This is not to exclude osteoarthritis resulting from inflammation and injury in the smaller joints such as those in the fingers. The joints, particularly the cartilages in joints, are worn down as a result of everyday activities, strenuous activities, injury, fatigue, and dehydration. This degeneration of the joints could result to structural changes of the joints, joint effusion, bone spurs or bone overgrowths that result to osteophytes, and muscle and joint weakness.

People experience osteoarthritis differently and it is not yet well known why. The onset of arthritis may begin at an early age but usually it comes as a corollary of the ageing process. . The pain that characterizes osteoarthritis increases with more activity. Excess pounds also contribute more pain especially if a weight-bearing joint is the one involved.

What can be done?

Early diagnosis is the first most effective combatant of osteoarthritis. With it, treatment may begin as soon as possible. Moreover, being able to diagnose the condition correctly from other similarly characterized forms of arthritis is very important for treatment to be successful.

What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?

It is very important to know and pay attention to any signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis so that your doctor can properly diagnose your condition as well as recommend a suitable treatment program for you. The onset of arthritis is often indicated by stiffness and soreness in one's joints especially after a prolonged time of sitting, after waking up, and inactivity. Excruciating pain in the hips, knees, and other muscle areas can also be taken as a symptom of osteoarthritis.

Tips in Dealing with Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a serious condition which affects the joints. Signs and symptoms must not be taken easily. It is always wise to have a check up with your doctor. Most importantly, osteoarthritis cannot personally be treated. Patients must not rely on self-knowledge and fast facts and must seek the guidance of a doctor or physician.

Furthermore, although pain relief is necessary, pain relievers only offer short-term relief. What is important and more successful in eliminating chronic pain from osteoarthritis is a long-term treatment program. This may involve the intake of medication such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucosamine. These help reduce pain and rehabilitate damaged joints. A change in lifestyle may also be a huge contributing factor to curing osteoarthritis. Your posture and your weight are some of the things that you should start being more aware of. A balanced and healthy diet provides you with your body's most needed nutrients and helps you maintain your weight. Regular exercise will help you manage your weight as well as strengthen your joints.

Recent studies have shown that a Glucosamine Chondroitin Therapy is more effective than pain killers such as Celebrex in reducing pain in those with moderate to severe pain caused by arthritis. One of the most popular brands is Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine. Synflex offers a line of products to help those afflicted with osteoarthritis reduce if not eliminate the pain caused by degenerative cartilage. Syn-flex 1500 delivers 1500mg per ¼ oz. dose and has many synergistic ingredients to reduce inflammation and rebuild damaged cartilage. Synflex even has a pet variety in beef flavor for those who have pets suffering from this debilitating disease.