How to Fight from Osteoarthritis?
by petersonbranOsteoarthritis affects cartilage, the slippery elastic tissue that covers the ends of long bones. Cartilage functions to absorb shock from movement and also to provide a gliding surface for the joints. With OA, the cartilage begins to wear away and the underlying bones begin to rub against each other. This leads to pain. As OS progresses, it causes swelling and loss of motion. Bone spurs develop and the joint starts to deform. Microscopic particles of cartilage and bone flake off and cause irritation of the joint lining leading to more inflammation which leads to pain and more damage.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, affects the elderly in parts of the body where it hurts the most. A person suffering from knee osteoarthritis will most likely equate it with cardiovascular disease because the breakdown of articular cartilage of knee joints restricts movement and the patient has to follow a set regimen affecting his lifestyle.
You may also want to add a dietary supplement to your daily regime. An example is a dietary supplement such as glucosamine, which is believed to relieve pain and slow down the degenerative process of arthritis. Always let your doctor know if you are adding a dietary supplement to your osteoarthritis health plan.
Osteoarthritis is, in simple terms, the break down of the cartilage that is naturally present between the bones of the joints. As we age, this cartilage begins to dissolve, this occurs at a quicker pace when repetitive motion is present. As the amount of cartilage dissolves from between the bones, they begin to rub against each other, and this is the pain that is associated with arthritis.
Osteoarthritis affects a person’s joints. The parts of body at maximum risk are the hips and knees. Hips carry the body weight and, over years, the smooth and glistening articular cartilage that helps the hip joint to glide ultimately wears thin. Initially, there is discomfort and stiffness in groin, buttocks, or thighs that increases with activity inflaming the hip joints and reducing rotation, flexibility, and movement.
Treatment varies with the extent of damage to cartilage. Next to aging, obesity is a worrisome cause because increased body weight puts extra stress on the knee and hip joints. Other causes are diabetes, surgeries, gout, and congenital deficiencies. Women are especially susceptible if they work long hours bending and lifting, wearing inappropriate footwear, and indulge in diet manipulation.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that needs careful handling. No matter what age and extent of damage to joints, it can be forestalled by preventive measures including self care, proper diet, timely treatment, and appropriate medicines.
The ideal diet for osteoarthritis patients is food rich in Vitamin E found in beef, corn, egg yolks, nuts wheat germ and sunflower oil. This helps minimize tissue damage due to aging, smoking or stress. Omega-3 fatty acids if consumed regularly help reduce inflammation and best source for this is oily fish variety. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, melons, kiwi fruit, pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries need to be included in diet.
Osteoarthritis affects the activities of everyday life. To cope with increasing demands on the body, we need to practice relaxation techniques or yoga and meditation to develop a positive attitude.