Osteoarthritis is generally equated with a disease of wear and tear and old age. Although it does usually accompany old age, researchers have found that the cartilage in a joint with osteoarthritis is chemically different than a joint without the disease.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis symptoms differ from one case to another. One patient might be suffering from severe pain for days while others might experience it infrequently. Weather and the time of the day have also something to do with this. As the weather changes from time to time, a person will likewise experience the acute pain that can even last for weeks.

The most common symptom is pain in a joint after repetitive use. For example, a person who has been hiking for years may suddenly experience pain in one knee that is not related to a fall, sprain or other injury. Examination by X-ray may show deterioration of the cartilage that prevents the joints from grinding against each other.

Osteoarthritis symptoms need to be verified before any medication is prescribed, as the symptoms are often confused with spondylosis. Spondylosis is responsible for gradual deterioration of the discs between vertebrae of the spine. Spondylosis and osteoarthritis are generally found together, and one needs to be sure before start of treatment. Another common mix-up is with symptoms of Osteoporosis, or low calcium content of the bones.

Osteoarthritis Causes

The cause of Osteoarthritis is not known, yet doctors have many suspicions. Some of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis boggle the minds of scientists and more research needs to take place to determine the actual root of the disease. For instance, X-rays can tell that Arthritis is present, yet the amount of pain reported by Osteoarthritis sufferers differs from the results of the X-ray. Though many people refer to Osteoarthritis as the “wear and tear” disease, evidence shows that this disease and its mysterious cause are not as simple as that definition. In fact, “wear and tear” does not take place in just one joint, but affects joints simultaneously throughout the body.

Osteoarthritis Treatments

Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease process. Very often the doctor will, if osteoarthritis is found, make various recommendations to the patient that will help them to cope with both the pain and maintenance of the disease.

Good habits that will improve the person’s general health should be practiced. These should include implementation of correct posture that will improve the body mechanics and a good exercise regimen that will increase the muscle power..

Readjusting one’s Lifestyle

Of course treatment for osteoarthritis is highly dependent on the patient’s willingness and participation. Sometimes the most effective treatment is the will of the patient to get well again. When the will is strong, the patient is motivated to find other ways of helping himself or herself (of course consultation with one’s physician is still a must before attempting any independent treatment) such as remodeling one’s lifestyle. Incorporating a nutritious diet and regular exercise to one’s life can be a big help in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Some sufferers gain relief by having medication injected directly into the joint. Losing weight can also be considered a treatment for osteoarthritis because the excess weight puts extra strain on your joints, which can cause the cartilage to wear out more quickly. As a last resort, surgery can be considered to replace knee or hip joints. This is only done when the joint has been severely damaged and does not respond well to other treatment options. There are three surgery options available, you and your doctor will decide which one is best for you. The first surgery is osteotomy, where bone growths are removed to help realign the joint. This is usually done on the knee.



Thanks to Tom Smith for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee

The cause of osteoarthritis in not totally known, however, it can be very discomforting and painful. It could run in our genes or just from our normal daily living and the wear and tear on our joints throughout our lives. However, athletes or people that have jobs that require repetitive movement of their joints do develop osteoarthritis at an earlier age. Accidents or injuries to joints can cause osteoarthritis to develop in younger people as well as excess weight can be a contributing factor in osteoarthritis of the knees, hips and spine.

Arthritis means inflammation of the joint(s). It can cause pain and sometimes limits the mobility of the affected joint. Osteoarthritis is normally called degenerative joint disease. The cartilage (pad) between the ends of the bones, the joint, wears thin and can rub together and cause great discomfort or pain. In some instances the bone ends grow too thick, the pad, may loosen and chip. This causes the joint movement to be impaired and causes discomfort and pain.

Nutrition and exercise are a beneficial part of joint health. A person needs to build their body both inside and out. Nutrition supplements can be very effective in rebuilding and soothing the joints of the body. Since joint discomfort and pain varies from person to person, choosing a nutritional supplement that has only one ingredient may not be the right answer for everyone. Choosing supplements that have various natural ingredients are shown to be effectual anti-inflammatory reducers.

Our pets’ health care should be just as important as our own. Dogs and cats can get osteoarthritis the same as humans, by over use, injury or by being over weight. Nutritional supplements can help rebuild and sooth their joints so that they have a more comfortable life. More often than not our pets are part of our immediate family; we want them around for a long time. A one-ingredient supplement may not be the right answer for our pets anymore than it is for us.

For more information go to: http.//www. 4yourjointsandmore.com



Thanks to Mary Ellen Isaacs for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

Natural Arthritis Supplements

Rheumatism is a broad medical terminology that is used to describe various painful conditions, particularly those that affect the joints, bones, tendons and muscles. Rheumatism can also involve internal organs like the heart, skin, kidneys and lungs. One should note that the word rheumatism does not refer to a single disease or condition. There are over 100 ailments commonly referred to as rheumatism, but the word is something of a modern day anachronism, particularly to the medical establishment.

However, the term “rheumatism” is still used in colloquial speech. Even so, it would be disingenuous to ascribe rheumatism to any one condition. The general terms arthritis and rheumatism between them cover at least 200 different conditions.

What are the symptoms of Rheumatism?

Because the term rheumatism can be applied to a variety of conditions and ailments, it would be extremely difficult to cover the entire range of symptoms. There is however, one thing all rheumatism type conditions share with one another, and that is chronic, often times debilitating pain. Other common symptoms associated with rheumatism include pain, intense soreness, swelling, stiffness in the affected area, and a loss of function in the joints. In addition, people with the disease may have fatigue, occasional fever, and a general sense of not feeling well. The pain associated with this syndrome is very difficult to treat.

What causes Rheumatism?

Causes for rheumatism will vary with the type of condition that is being attributed to the disease, For example, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an ‘auto-immune’ disease where the antibodies, which normally attack germs to prevent infection, attack the body’s own tissues. With other ailments and diseases, Rheumatism can be caused by damage or wear and tear to joints, bone, cartilage or organs. For instance, Osteoarthritis affects the smooth, shiny cartilage that covers the end of the bones where they come into contact, making it a rheumatic ailment. Other factors to look out for in regards to rheumatism are, heredity, tooth infections, hormonal imbalances, toxicity of the blood and inflamed tonsils.

Rheumatism may affect any and all of us at some time or another, however, only a small minority will develop a form of rheumatism that is severe enough to be crippling.

Will Painwave X4000 Help with Rheumatism?

Since the Painwave X4000 is a non-invasive, drug-free method that gives real pain relief then it would be safe to say that, yes, it can provide amazing results for people who suffer from rheumatism. Unlike TENS or other similar methods of pain relief, it does not ‘block’ pain signals to the brain, rather, the Painwave X 4000 works in concert with the body’s own bioelectromagnetic ecosystem. Another bonus is that the Painwave X4000 has no side effects, and the unit is simply moved gently over the surface of the skin in a small circular motion. After a short period of time Painwave X4000 will improve cell activity and lymphatic movements and blood circulation, all of which are beneficial in the relief of pain and other discomforts. In many cases, this stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate pain for good.

Note: The information in this article should not be used to diagnose a disease. If you are experiencing rheumatism like symptoms, seek the attention of a medical professional for a related exam.



Thanks to Annette Badowski for contributing this article to our Arthritis blog:

New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug

Can you answer pfr305’s question about Arthritis?:

I am only 23 but I have had a knee injury since a year ago off and on and now I am experiencing osteoarthritis symptoms. (stiffness in the knee joint in the morning followed by pain of and on during the day) Could these symptoms be caused by something else or do I have arthritis already?

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Can you answer crytle’s question about Arthritis?:

I have osteoarthritis in my lower back, as well as, being overweight with all of the excess weight in my mid-section. Can all of this combined with being pregnant cause me to be a high risk pregnancy?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications