Osteoarthritis is known to be amongst the most debilitating of diseases, and is clearly the most common type of arthritis. Our population has become riddled with this terrible affliction, with millions of new cases reported annually. The overall cost to society could be nearing $100 billion. While Osteoarthritis is not linked directly to sex, it is apparent that the disease is far more common in women.



In addition to age, risk factors for osteoarthritis include joint injury and being overweight (especially for knee and hip osteoarthritis). Symptoms are most often prevalent in the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck.

While OA is far less prevalent in the shoulder joint, but it's not unheard of. OA pain in the shoulder, or glenohumeral joint to give it it's medical name, will when it's apparent be most likely attributed to an injury sustained in the past. Discovering the actual cause of one's OA can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, some factors are known however and should be considered, such as what strain certain types of occupation may be having on the condition.

Being overweight is a modern day epidemic, one witch can have serious consequences for all of us especially arthritics suffering with osteoarthritis. Losing those excess pounds will lessen the strain on the load bearing joints, which in turn will help one's OA.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition

Recent research has discovered that although OA is not classed as an inflammatory condition, arthritics afflicted with osteoarthritis do in many cases have some of the same characteristics as those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, namely an unusually high number of inflammatory cells found in and around the affected joint.

OA as we know is a very common and unfortunately an on going condition, which does tend to kick in as our body's get older, however more recently reported cases of OA indicate the conditions apparent rise amongst a younger population, which is set to become a significant health issue in the near future. So, while it is still true to say that OA is more prevalent with age, it is not true to describe osteoarthritis as an inevitable part of growing older.

OA is not a disease linked to one area of the body, there are many variations of osteoarthritis, which can attack many different joints throughout one's body. Unfortunately with most cases of OA the condition gathers momentum with time, with symptoms ranging form stiffness and pain to complete loss of mobility in the effected limb.

Joint Deterioration

When the cartilage starts to break up, the joints protective area becomes swollen, and can look like a mild case of rheumatoid arthritis.

The cartilage fragments are released into the synovial space, and the cells lining the joint. Inflammation can prevent the normal use of the joint and cause it to lose the ability to function properly.

Joint pain is normally worse later in the day. There can be swelling, pain, warmth, and cracking of the affected joints. Joint replacement is usually recommended for older patients, but can sometimes be performed on younger patients in exceptional cases.

A typical hip or knee joint replacement although common, still only has an 85% chance of being in full functioning condition after around 15 years, Having said that a joint replacement may sometimes be the only avenue to go down, especially in severe cases where mobility has become an issue.

Osteoarthritis Relief Through Exercise

Exercise does not normally aggravate osteoarthritis when performed at levels that do not cause joint pain. Exercise is helpful in osteoarthritis in several ways, most notably aiding mobility and strengthening of the joints. Exercising can also help lower your cholesterol and reduce excess weight.

Remember one should always talk to a physician about what types of exercise would appropriate for one's particular condition. A health care professional will be able to recommend an appropriate exercise program.

Not All Arthritis Supplements are Regulated by the FDA

New wonder drug, all-curing arthritis supplements seem to appear daily, while it's true that many supplements can help people with arthritis, caution should be shown. Many of these food supplements do not fall under the FDA guidelines as they are not classed as drugs. If you want to try supplements make sure the manufacturer subscribes to FDA guidelines.

Treat Arthritis The Natural Way

In many cases arthritis drugs carry so many side effects, and occasionally make the condition worse, not better. Many old and indeed new alternative treatments exist which have been shown to relieve arthritis, I believe they work by tackling the underlying elements of the condition (even in OA)

Flush the Toxins from Your Body - And Start Recovering!

Drinking large amounts of water daily is a great and easy way of flushing out the damaging debris and toxins which build up in the body. Removing these trapped toxins can have a fantastic effect on most forms of arthritis, including OA. Try to drink filtered or mineral water as opposed to tap water, this is mainly due to the fact that ordinary tap water tends to contain heavy metal.

People suffering with osteoarthritis may like to experiment with their diet, foods which are known to be good for OA and indeed most types of arthritis are fresh fruit due to the fantastic natural antioxidant properties they contain,(not the citrus variety), Oily fish is especially good for those suffering with arthritis due to it's high content of fatty acids and vitamin E.

Natural alternatives to treating one's arthritis, whichever type you have, do exist and may be far more effective than the aggressive prescribed drugs used to treat the condition. Alternative treatments or approaches tackle the underlying problems associated with arthritis, not just the symptoms. Why not try a natural approach to your condition, most only involve simple life changes, it has to be better than the harsh drugs your doctor's prescribed.