A Natural Approach to Relieving Your Osteoarthritis

Studies indicate Osteoarthritis as being the most prevalent type of arthritis. Millions of people livig in the western world are reported to suffer with arthritis, with an annual cost thought to be close to $95 billion. Research has discovered that Osteoarthritis is far more common among women, with less of the male population being effected.

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.

The shoulder joint seems to shrug off OA, (excuse the pun), it's not true to say that one can not have OA in one's shoulder, its just not that common. More often than not symptoms of painful OA in the shoulder will normally be as a result of a past trauma or maybe even a previous operation. The reasons for being afflicted with OA are hard to pinpoint, however one's occupation, weight, and family history may all play a part.

Being overweight is a modern day epidemic, one witch can have serious consequences for all of us especially arthritics suffering with osteoarthritis. Losing those excess pounds will lessen the strain on the load bearing joints, which in turn will help one's OA.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition

Osteoarthritis isn't typically thought of as an inflammatory disease, but researchers have found that people with osteoarthritis have higher levels of inflammatory cells in their joints than are found in the joints of people who don't have osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic conditions affecting older adults and a significant public health problem among adults of working age. Although the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the condition is not a normal part of the ageing process.

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 Demise of the Joint

OA will eventually begin to destroy the cartilage, which can cause the area around the affected joint to become inflamed, the inflammation in some cases might resemble rheumatoid arthritis.

The cartilage fragments are released into the synovial space, and the cells lining the joint. Inflammation can prevent the normal use of the joint and cause it to lose the ability to function properly.

The pain, the swelling, and stiffness is normally at it's worst last thing at night. In many cases of OA especially in older patients, the outcome of OA is more often than not surgery, such as joint replacement, this is not always the case for younger sufferers however. A younger person with OA will normally only require surgery in a very advanced or aggressive case.

At the hip and knee, an uncomplicated joint replacement has only around an 85% chance of still being intact and functioning after 15 years, however replacement joint surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

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.

Always consult with your physician or health care professional before embarking on any kind of exercise regime, as in most cases they will be able to advise you ow which exercise would be suitable for your condition.

Not All Arthritis Supplements are Regulated by the FDA

More and More dietary supplements are appearing on the market, associated with gout and indeed all forms of arthritis, however many are not regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug administration and therefore one should always take care, ingredients may not always be what they say.

Alternative Treatments for Osteoarthritis

One can in many cases successfully treat one's own arthritis, using the right alternative approach, even if they suffer with osteoarthritis. This may sound a bit new age, however modern medicine took its roots from nature, Devils claw (herb) is known to reduce swelling and pain. many sufferers have been shown to greatly improve when they cut out certain foods or restrict their diet.

Remove the Harmful Toxins - and Start Feeling Better!

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.

People suffering with osteoarthritis may like to experiment with their diet, foods which are known to be good for OA and indeed most types of arthritis are fresh fruit due to the fantastic natural antioxidant properties they contain,(not the citrus variety), Oily fish is especially good for those suffering with arthritis due to it's high content 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. Visit ArthriticandJoints for more good artilces about Arthritic.