There are many types of Arthritis out there; one of these types of arthritis is Osteoarthritis. It is caused by the break down and loss of cartilage in one or more joints and is known as a degenerative condition. Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones and joints. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis and affects over 20 million people in the US. The most common joints that osteoarthritis affects are hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees.



Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to the aging process. When people age the water content in cartilage increases and the proteins in cartilage degenerate. Over time the cartilage will also degenerate forming tiny crevasses and flaking off. In severe cases of osteoarthritis the total loss of cartilage can happen and repetitive use of the joints that are worn down can irritate and cause inflammation in the cartilage. This creates joint pain and swelling. Inflammation of cartilage can cause bone spurs to form as well. It is mostly known to be a hereditary disease.

Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by other diseases or conditions. Conditions that can cause osteoarthritis are things like obesity, trauma, surgery of joint structures, abnormal defects in joints at birth, gout, diabetes, and some hormone disorders. Obesity creates stress on the cartilage that causes the arthritis. It mostly affects the knees. Some people that are born with deformities in joints can cause wear and tear on them because of the awkward positioning of them.

Some symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain that worsens through the day, stiffness in joints from inactivity, and limping if the arthritis resides in the knees. It is not uncommon for people who have osteoarthritis to go years with out pain and than when the degeneration becomes apparent the pain develops. Osteoarthritis that develops in joints at the base of the big toe can lead to formation of bunion. Bunions arevery common if you notice a bunion forming on your bgi toe you may want to see a doctor to get checked for osteoarthritis.

Losing weight if you are obese can help you prevent and curb your osteoarthritis. Avoiding activities that can cause a lot of stress to joint s can help as well. Making sure you have a healthy diet and plenty of mild exercise in your daily routine can help to prevent and treat osteoarthritis too. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may be needed for some people with osteoarthritis. There are mechanical support devices are also available to help aid in mobility and maneuverability. Practicing good posture can protect the joints in your hips, spine, neck, and knees.

Taking an herbal supplement may help as well. Alternative Health Supplements offers a number of products designed just for the care of joints and arthritis treatment. One of these products that I recommend is Joint Care. It is an all natural product that is safe to use. It contains ingredients such as MSM, shark cartilage, amino acids, vitamins A, D, and E, Co-Q10, and sulfate. This product is designed to relieve pain, inflammation, stimulate the immune system, formation of joint and cartilage, and eliminate toxins in the body.