One person out of nine suffers from osteoarthritis, making it one of the most common chronic diseases among humans. While not lethal, osteoarthritis may seriously impact one's life and overall health condition. As this form of arthritis affects cartilage, its main effects include stiffness of joints up to the point where it is impossible to move the joint at all, and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis commonly attack hands, knees, hips and spine, often effectively preventing the patient from actually moving.
Osteoarthritis, just as all other forms of arthritis, can't be cured. Fortunately for those affected, it can be now kept in check and prevented, provided that you take the right steps before the situation aggravates.
Staying fit and in good shape is the first thing everyone suffering from osteoarthritis should do. There are three main reasons for that. First, you have to keep your joints from doing more than they can - and being overweight puts an enormous stress on the joints and speed up the cartilage loss. Then, joints work less hard if they are supported by strong muscles. Finally, a good diet will keep your body much less prone to osteoarthritis attacks.
Heat and cold are another means you can use to bring some relief. They are a very effective way of decreasing pain. Heat in a form of a shower or a hot bath are best used in the morning or in the evening is a very effective pain reliever as it increases the blood flow. However, do not use it on sore joints - apply cold instead. Heat will only make the problem worse.
If heat and cold are not enough, you may consider taking Acetaminophen. This pain killer is sold over the counter and is very effective in case of mild cases of osteoarthritis. In long-term problems however, it is usually a good idea to contact your doctor and ask for some stronger medications. A tip: do not get too attached to pain killers. Remember to discuss the whole issue with your doctor - osteoarthritis is here to stay, so may consider some pain to be better than ruining your health by abusing pain killers.
The second best thing that slows down the osteoarthritis is Omega-3 fatty acids. They are second only to frequent exercises. The only problem is that these nutrients are naturally found only in a few kinds of fish and in flax, making it very difficult to compose a healthy and varied diet capable of providing enough Omega-3 fatty acids. While Mediterraneans are generally able to get enough seafood to do it, North Americans most often rely on Omega Daily and other similar supplements to get enough Omega-3 fatty acids to lessen the impact of arthritis on their lives.
The bottom line is: if you have osteoarthritis, stay healthy. Overweight, lack of exercises and bad diet will only speed up the pace of arthritis. Staying fit and keeping your joints safe are two most important things you have to do. - 16752
Osteoarthritis, just as all other forms of arthritis, can't be cured. Fortunately for those affected, it can be now kept in check and prevented, provided that you take the right steps before the situation aggravates.
Staying fit and in good shape is the first thing everyone suffering from osteoarthritis should do. There are three main reasons for that. First, you have to keep your joints from doing more than they can - and being overweight puts an enormous stress on the joints and speed up the cartilage loss. Then, joints work less hard if they are supported by strong muscles. Finally, a good diet will keep your body much less prone to osteoarthritis attacks.
Heat and cold are another means you can use to bring some relief. They are a very effective way of decreasing pain. Heat in a form of a shower or a hot bath are best used in the morning or in the evening is a very effective pain reliever as it increases the blood flow. However, do not use it on sore joints - apply cold instead. Heat will only make the problem worse.
If heat and cold are not enough, you may consider taking Acetaminophen. This pain killer is sold over the counter and is very effective in case of mild cases of osteoarthritis. In long-term problems however, it is usually a good idea to contact your doctor and ask for some stronger medications. A tip: do not get too attached to pain killers. Remember to discuss the whole issue with your doctor - osteoarthritis is here to stay, so may consider some pain to be better than ruining your health by abusing pain killers.
The second best thing that slows down the osteoarthritis is Omega-3 fatty acids. They are second only to frequent exercises. The only problem is that these nutrients are naturally found only in a few kinds of fish and in flax, making it very difficult to compose a healthy and varied diet capable of providing enough Omega-3 fatty acids. While Mediterraneans are generally able to get enough seafood to do it, North Americans most often rely on Omega Daily and other similar supplements to get enough Omega-3 fatty acids to lessen the impact of arthritis on their lives.
The bottom line is: if you have osteoarthritis, stay healthy. Overweight, lack of exercises and bad diet will only speed up the pace of arthritis. Staying fit and keeping your joints safe are two most important things you have to do. - 16752
About the Author:
The Article Author: John Andrews reports on subjects that are important in helping people help themselves. For more information on Omega Daily and Osteoarthritis just click on one of the above links.
