Below
we present a wonderful series of 8 articles by Kristy Annely
on the subject of Osteoarthritis. Kristy is a prolific expert
article writer for EzineArticles.com
you can read more of her articles here:- http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely Look
out for more articles written by Kristy, as she writes on
many subjects.
Advancing age has its share of trails and tribulations, and a
significant financial and medical concern is Osteoarthritis.
Arthritis, a combination of Greek word "arthron,"
for joint, and "itis," for inflammation, is often
referred to as one disease though there are more than 100
forms affecting the human body. Osteoarthritis, a disease of
joints, is one form that is caused by breakdown and eventual
loss of cartilage of one or more joints
Treating Osteoarthritis is a joint venture between the patient and their physician that takes into account the patient’s personal needs and medical condition. The conditions that could affect treatment are cardiac disease, hypertension, peptic ulcers, or renal disease. Standard treatment involves pain killers, physiotherapy, exercises, and diet control. A physician initially advices physiotherapy sessions along with diet control. To help movement, a physiotherapist may suggest certain aids and appliances for use at home and workplace. These can be walking canes, rails near bath areas, additions to taps and electrical plugs, and walking crutches.
Osteoarthritis progresses with age and affects the area around the joints. One experiences pain, stiffness or swellings due to complete loss of cartilage cushion, extended periods of inactivity, or trauma. The pain differs in intensity from low to high, increasing in humid weather, followed by muscle spasm and contraction. The time to worry is when this pain in the hip, knee, spine or feet persists for more than two weeks.
With
Osteoarthritis, prevention is preferable to a cure. If
we follow this maxim we can alleviate some of the pain
and discomfort through healthy-living strategies and
self-care techniques. Osteoarthritis is a degenerating
disease affecting the cartilage of joints over the
years. Osteoarthritis is generally an age related
condition inconveniencing American men and women who are
40 years old or older. It can be genetic or caused by
injury or trauma.
Medicine is an important component of the treatment of
Osteoarthritis. A healthy alternative is to combine over the
counter pain relievers with alternate treatment and medicines
prescribed by physician.
Diet is an important ingredient in maintaining a perfect
physique and disease proof body. With 70% Americans being
victims of obesity, the first step in treating any disease is
weight reduction. Diet control programs are based on
individual preferences as certain people are allergic to
certain food items or tend to put on fat easily.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative
joint disease, affects the elderly in parts of the body
where it hurts the most. A person suffering from knee
osteoarthritis will most likely equate it with
cardiovascular disease because the breakdown of articular
cartilage of knee joints restricts movement and the patient
has to follow a set regimen affecting his lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis affects a
person’s joints. The parts of body at maximum risk are the
hips and knees. Hips carry the body weight and, over years,
the smooth and glistening articular cartilage that helps the
hip joint to glide ultimately wears thin. Initially, there
is discomfort and stiffness in groin, buttocks, or thighs
that increases with activity inflaming the hip joints and
reducing rotation, flexibility, and movement.
