Does lifting a book or a bag cause pain in your hand or shoulder? Does bending down to pick up a brown boot on the floor prove to be very difficult? If yes, then it’s possible that you already have osteoarthritis.
There are so many forms of arthritis, and the most prevalent of them is osteoarthritis. It’s sometimes called OA, osteoarthrosis, and degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis. While it can strike any joint in your body, it commonly occurs in the hands, spine, hips and knees.
This joint disease can be caused by a number of things. It can be because of obesity, trauma, heredity and age. It may also be due to repeated use of a body part. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage – a connective tissue functioning as the joint’s protective pads – becomes worn out. Pain and swelling is experienced in the affected areas. Because of this, the normal range of motion may become limited.
If you’re suffering from this joint disease, there are ways to effectively reduce the signs and symptoms. But first, it’s important to visit a doctor. An examination should reveal whether it’s actually osteoarthritis you’re suffering from. Based on the findings, your doctor will come up with a suitable mode of treatment.
Medications will be likely prescribed. Analgesics will help you with pain relief. For the swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be administered. There are also certain medications given through injection, for severe cases.
As mentioned earlier, obesity can be a causative factor. If such is your case, then it’s important for you to shed off unnecessary pounds. Adapting a particular diet recommended by your doctor will help you lose weight, thus relieving excessive pressure on your joints. Such diet will also exclude foods that may worsen the condition.
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.
Supplements, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets, will help in slowing down the deterioration of cartilage. Glucosamine is naturally produced by the body. But its production tends to slow down with age. Other supplements may include ingredients such as chrondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
When you cooperate with your doctor and take good care of your joints, in no time you can get back to having a normal life. You can once more play your ibanez acoustic electric guitar or engage in recreation with your kids. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and ease the symptoms.
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