Osteoarthritis is a serious and painful condition. This degenerative disease of the joints can result in considerable pain, the loss of cartilage as well as varying levels of tenderness. Often this condition can become so serious that joint replacement becomes a necessary step. Of all the chronic pain conditions, osteoarthritis is ranks among the most painful. Currently, there are many options for osteoarthritis treatment, and in this article we will explore some of those options in greater depth.
The first and most important step that you should take is to make sure that you are working closely with your doctor. Osteoarthritis is not a condition that you should attempt to treat without the help of your doctor and other medical professionals. It is important to remember that this is a joint issue and an arthritis issue, as the name clearly indicates, and that means that inflammation is key aspect to this chronic and potentially debilitating condition.
Inflammation of the joints is a primary concern for those with osteoarthritis. Like other forms of arthritis, anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDS are often prescribed; however, there is some controversy about the long-term safety of using NSAIDs to treat inflammation. In particular, there is concern that such drugs used over long periods of time could impact the health of internal organs.
Since there is some concern regarding NSAIDs, other osteoarthritis treatment options are worth exploring. For example, there are natural alternatives that work well for treating inflammation. One of the first steps to take is to remove foods that can cause inflammation. A high-fat, high-sodium diet that is also high in chemicals and preservatives can add to weight gain and will put one at risk for diabetes.
If you are overweight or obese, you are placing a higher demand on your joints, and this could very well aggravate any arthritis condition. Thus, the second best step you can take in treating your osteoarthritis is to lose weight in a healthy fashion and keep the weight off permanently. Of course, this means adopting a healthy diet consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables and healthy protein choices.
The spice turmeric is one way to treat any inflammation issue, and it has also been shown to help fight a range of diseases and even shrink tumors. Likewise, foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild Alaskan salmon and sardines, are effective ways of treating inflammation as well.
Other options such as light exercise, approved by your doctor, and acupuncture also stand as options worth exploring as osteoarthritis treatment. Acupuncture was long viewed with skepticism by Western medicine, but medical studies have recently shown that acupuncture can be very effective at blocking pain.
Summary of Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis to Consider
1) NSAIDs (note: these drugs could come with long-term risks)
2) The spice turmeric
3) Omega-3 rich foods
4) Acupuncture
5) Light, doctor approved exercise
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