Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, meaning it is a gradual deterioration of cartilage. This degeneration generally occurs in the larger weight-bearing joints. It is a normal wear and tear of the joints due to use, which occurs most generally after age 55. There is no cure, and the most common treatment for pain associated with osteoarthritis is aspirin. You should know that natural health remedies are a better way to treat osteoarthritis.
By age 80 approximately 90% of all people will suffer from this degenerative form of arthritis. Even if there is no inflammation cartilage may begin to crack and flake due to overuse or injury. In the worst instances the bone can become deformed, and scar tissue may replace damaged cartilage. If you begin to restrict movement in your joints due to pain your muscles will atrophy.
The best treatment is to reduce weight from the affected joints. This can be accomplished by using a walking stick, losing weight, and purchasing a bed that properly conforms to the shape of the body, as well as getting frequent rest. Regular exercise will maintain muscle strength.
Aspirin or other nonprescription pain reliever are most commonly used to treat osteoarthritis. The negative side affects of these drugs may be motivation enough to consider natural alternative health remedies for your pain. Large doses of aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, decreased blood folic acid, and increased urinary loss of vitamin C. An often overlooked side effect of both aspirin and other nonprescription pain relievers is the inability to repair cartilage and their tendency to increase cartilage destruction.
Most people are deficient in the essential fatty acid Omega 3 (see our article "Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 3 and Their Effects on Heart Health, Gout, and Blood Pressure"). Omega 3 has been found to be many times more effective in relieving pain without the negative side effects. Since you most likely need to add Omega 3 to your diet anyway it is recommended that you use Omega 3 to treat your pain.
Finally, a substance that naturally occurs in joint structure is glucosamine. Glucosamine has been found to create cartilage components, and employ a protective effect against the destruction of your joints. Said more simply, Glucosamine may help in the protection and repair of your ailing joints. Several studies have indicated that glucosamine relieves pain as well as or possibly better than harmful drugs like aspirin, or other nonprescription pain relievers.
The use of drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis is merely a treatment of symptoms and the drugs carry possible negative side effects. The use of natural, alternative health measures like Omega 3 fatty acid and glucosamine not only treat the symptoms but they enhance your body's natural healing abilities. Give your body a chance to strengthen itself with the use of natural health alternatives.
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