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Osteoarthritis,The Most Common Form Of Arthritis

Joint areas pointed out

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is the most common of arthritis. While this disease is more prevalent among people over the age of 50, that particular age group does not exclusively suffer this disease. Over forty million people in the United States have fallen victim to this crippling and disabling illness. Of those sufferers, most under the age of 45 of are males and beyond that age group, females are ten times more likely to suffer the illness.

There are over 100 types of arthritis. Among those is, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Sufferers, although stiff, tend to feel best in the morning with symptoms becoming progressively worse as the day continues. The disease is currently known to be irreversible, so the focus of treatment is to reduce pain, swelling and improve mobility. The disease causes a gradual wearing of the cartilage…the firm elastic tissue that connects bone with muscles and protects the joints. The degeneration of cartilage can cause swelling and inflammation as well as reduction of mobility. Other symptoms may include, painful bones, sharp aches and a burning sensation. These symptoms will be experienced in the hands, feet, hips, knees and spine.

inflammation in the knee joint Osteoarthritis can be caused by many factors such as sports injuries, obesity, birth defect and the body’s inability to manufacture enough substances such as chondroitin and glucosamine to protect against joint damage. Chondroitin is the main component of cartilage and helps to keep water and nutrients in the cartilage. Other known causes of this disease are physical stresses, genetic factors and a lack of physical activity. Low estrogen levels seem to increase risk, which stands to reason that hormone replacements therapy would likely be a beneficial form of treatment

As previously stated, there is no known treatment to stop or reverse this disease. Early detection and treatment is essential in order to maintain and extend an active lifestyle. Morning stiffness in the joints is usually the first warning sign. In a more advanced state, there will be pain in the joints and gradual limitation of mobility. Prolonged daily activity will make the condition worse. This may sound contradicting, but exercise and rest will also make the condition better. Moderation is the key. Avoid self-diagnosis and seek a physical examination and evaluation. This will usually involve a blood test, X-rays etc. Recommendation of treatment among Physicians may vary greatly, but here is a list of known supplements for treatment of osteoarthritis:

· Vitamin D