Osteoarthritis is caused from the cartilage in the joints wearing down over time. It is the most widespread type of arthritis. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the hands, spine, hips and knees. Joints seem swollen, are stiff and cause varying degrees of pain. With osteoarthritis, pain often intensifies with repeated use of affected joints. http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_osteoarthritis_000035_1.htm Since it is a degenerative disorder, osteoarthritis worsens over time. It has no existing cure, but lifestyle changes, medications and surgical interventions have been known to help.http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/
Treatments for Osteoarthritis
- Exercise: Walking, biking, swimming, yoga, pilates, qigong and tai chi may be all be recommended for those with osteoarthritis.http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can evaluate your strength and flexibility and recommend appropriate exercises for your specific condition. http://cfbstaff.cfbisd.edu/CFBEmploymentwellness/osteoarthritis.htm
- Supplements: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), glucosamine and chondroitin have proven helpful.http://cfbstaff.cfbisd.edu/CFBEmploymentwellness/osteoarthritis.htm
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids: It may help to eat fatty fish like tuna, salmon, makerel, trout, sardines and herring at least two times a week.http://cfbstaff.cfbisd.edu/CFBEmploymentwellness/osteoarthritis.htm
- Weight loss: Many who have this disorder are overweight. Weight reduction reduces the stress on affected knee joints and can thereby reduce pain.http://orthosurg.ucsf.edu/patient-care/arthritis_joint_replacement/osteoarthritis_knee.html
- Acupuncture: This can relieve pain and increase blood circulation around the joint, thereby reducing inflammation. http://orthosurg.ucsf.edu/patient-care/arthritis_joint_replacement/osteoarthritis_knee.html
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medicines such as Advil and Motrin can help to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis. http://orthosurg.ucsf.edu/patient-care/arthritis_joint_replacement/osteoarthritis_knee.html
Exercise and Osteoarthritis
This video, which was produced by Expert Village, goes over the appropriate types of exercises that can help to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Non-weight bearing exercises are recommended, as weight bearing activities can actually worsen the pain brought on by osteoarthritis. Yoga and pilates are two recommended forms of exercise.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have osteoarthritis, please consult your doctor.
References
Fast Facts
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Alternate name
Degenerative joint disease
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Fact:
Osteoarthritis tends to occur in the spine, knees, hips and hands
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Fact:
It is the most common form of arthritis
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Fact:
It is more common in men than women
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Fact:
13.9% of people age 25 are older are affected by osteoarthritis
