Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is in the news almost daily. Arthritis is most common in older people and that brings us to ask the question: what age are you when you get old? I am not sure, but I think the answer moves as we age. When I was twenty, old was thirty or forty. Now that I have passed that mark, old is at or beyond social security age. Age is relative, but it sure creeps up on us. The bottom line is that as we age, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that faces us and we need to take whatever measures we can to delay or prevent this arthritis, or any other type of arthritis from invading our bodies. I say 'us' because I am in this age group also. As always, any and all types of pain, especially of the joints, is reason to consult your physician.
Now the question: what is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative arthritis. It's a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates with use and age. This is the cushioning inside your joints. Experts don't know why this cartilage breakdown happens. Aging, joint injury, being overweight, and genetics are all contributing factors.
Arthritis Is mainly a disease of the spine, hip, hand, knee and foot, but it can happen in other joints of the body. It develops gradually and tends to cause varying degrees of pain, especially when you stand or walk. Swelling, stiffness, especially in the mornings and after you have been active, creaking or popping sounds, and a loss of flexibility in your knee joints are all symptoms of osteoarthritis.
How does one know if you have osteoarthritis?
Your joints may ache or the pay may feel a burning or sharp pain. The pain may even come and go. Constant pain while you sleep may be a sign that your arthritis is getting worse. Getting up in the morning can be hard. Your joints may feel creaky and stiff until you get moving. Sitting still for long periods of time may make you stiff also. As I have stressed in other articles, muscles around the joint become weak, mainly due to lack of exercise and working these muscles. You need strength training to help your muscles support your knees and help to delay or alleviate some of the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Swelling usually occurs in the joints, making them feel tender and sore.
Joints may even start to look like they are in the wrong place..deformed, especially as the arthritis gets worse. As the arthritis increases its hold on you, you may not be able to fully bend, flex, or extend your joints, or worse... not even be able to move them at all. You may even hear crunching, cracking sounds. Hmmn,, sounds like a little oil in these joints may help. Just a thought. You do oil the joints in your vehicle on a regular basis, don't you? Why? So the joints won't wear out from constant rubbing against each other in the absence of a lubricating substance. As we get older, our bodies produce less amounts of hyaluric acid, a protein that provides lubrication to help maintain moisture and function in moving joints and tissues thereby resulting in more pain-free joint movement.
What are some of the treatments for osteoarthritis? They are mixed and varied. Often a mix of things helps the most.
We are a nation that is accustomed to taking pills, maybe sometimes too much. However, if your pain is mild, over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or other NSAIDS such as advil and motrin, naproxen (such as aleve) or aspirin may work. Because you will probably be taking these medications over a long period of time, you need to consult your physician. Your knees support your weight. If you are overweight, lose weight down to your optimum weight. Your knees and other body organs will appreciate it. Swimming, biking, and walking are good activities to lose weight. You may also get help from a physical therapist. Changing activities and lessening the stress on your joints can be very helpful in reducing the pain. Remember, osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear in the joints. Providing a lubricant for your joints will provide relief also.
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