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- Alternate name: Degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, arthrosis
- A type of degenerative join disease
- Most common form of arthritisNIAMS: Handout on Health: Osteoarthritis
- More common in men than womenCDC: [http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/arthritis/osteoarthritis.htm
- Most common in the kneesCDC: [http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/arthritis/osteoarthritis.htm
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Osteoarthritis is caused from the cartilage in the joints wearing down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the hands, spine, hips and knees. Joints appear larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse with increased use throughout the day. http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_osteoarthritis_000035_1.htm Since it is a degenerative disorder, osteoarthritis worsens over time, and it has no existing cure, but lifestyle changes, medications and surgical interventions have helped.NIAMS: Handout on Health: Osteoarthritis This site includes information on recommended treatment options for osteoarthritis below.
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United States Prevalence
- 13.9% of adults 25 and upCDC: [http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/arthritis/osteoarthritis.htm
- 33.6% of adults 65 and upCDC: [http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/arthritis/osteoarthritis.htm
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Treatments for Osteoarthritis
- Exercise - Walking, biking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, Qigong, Tai Chi
- Physical therapy
- Herbs having anti-inflammatory properties: boswellia, devil's claw, ginger, turmeric, white willow bark, and capsaicin (cream)
- Supplements: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), glucosamine and chondroitin, and antioxidants,
- Omega 3 Fatty Acid dietary intake
- Weight loss and Posture improvement
- Acupuncture and Chiropractic
- Magnetic therapy
- Rest
- Heat and cold packs
- Pain relievers
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Exercise and Osteoarthritis
Exercise helps improve mobility and flexibility for those with osteoarthritis. It can also improve your endurance and strengthen the muscles around a ... read moreExercise helps improve mobility and flexibility for those with osteoarthritis. It can also improve your endurance and strengthen the muscles around affected joints (see Mayoclinic). Non-weight bearing exercises such as swimming, yoga, pilates, qigong and tai chi are recommended. You can do weight bearing exercises, but not on the joints affected by the arthritis.

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Osteoarthritis Questions
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What are nutritional supplement treatment options for osteoarthritis? 1 AnswerThe best supplement treatment option for osteoarthritis is taking glucosamine sulfate. This is a substance that naturally can be found in high levels at the joi... read more -
How does Cat's claw herb help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? Physiological effect? 1 AnswerApparently alkaloids, tannins and several phytochemicals boost the immune system, reduces blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol. Some parts are anti-inflamma... read more
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