What Is Osteoarthritis And How Is It Treated?
Do you feel pain in your hand or shoulder when lifting a bag? Do you feel pain in your hip when bending down to look for your other brown boot under the bed? If so, you could be suffering from osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as osteoarthrosis, OA, degenerative arthritis and others. It’s the most common among all forms of arthritis. It can strike any joint in the body, especially weight-bearing ones. But it usually occurs in the knees, back, hips and hands.
It happens when the cartilage providing cushioning between your bone joints become damaged. A person suffering from osteoarthritis usually experiences pain and swelling in the affected areas. The normal range of motion becomes limited too. There are many risk factors for this disease. It can be because of age, obesity, injury or overuse of a joint, and even hereditary factors.
If you think you’re suffering from osteoarthritis, it’s important to consult with your doctor immediately. Based on the result of your physical examination, a treatment course will have to be designed. Mild to moderate cases of the disease may benefit from the following approaches in easing the signs and symptoms.
It’s not unlikely for medications to be prescribed. Analgesic has to be taken for pain. While for swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are usually given. For severe cases, there are also medications administered through injection.
Adapting a healthy eating habit is important. If you’re overweight, losing excess pounds will help relieve your joints from too much pressure. Also, eating the right types of foods will supply the right kinds and amounts of nutrients necessary for speedy recovery.
A physical or occupational therapist will provide you with some exercise routines. Such routines will help stabilize the muscles around the joints. And at the same time enhancing the flexibility or the affected bone joints. Performing these exercise routines will help you increase your otherwise limited motion.
There are also food supplements that are said to help in repairing damaged cartilages, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets. The body’s production of glucosamine wears off as you age. It’s an important substance for the formation and repair of cartilage. Other supplements contain substances like methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), omega-3 fatty acids and chrondroitin.
If your osteoarthritis is mild, the above remedies might help you lead a normal life once more. In no time, you’ll be back doing your usual activities, like playing your ibanez acoustic electric guitar. However, for severe cases, undergoing surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain or damage.
