The exact form of osteoarthritis may vary from mild to serious, but its prevalence (12% of population suffers from this disease) makes it extremely important for the public health. The stiffness of the body and pain in the joints are two main results of osteoarthritis. While they often can mild enough to be treated as a natural state of aged organism rather than a disease, sometimes they may cause serious problems, effectively paralyzing people.
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.
First of course, contact your doctor. However, you can do much more than just taking pills. The most important thing you can do is to do exercises. First, you have to keep your joints moving if you want to strengthen them and reduce the cartilage loss. The best idea is usually to employ some aerobic-like exercise system or swimming. Weigh lifting may also be a good idea, but do not overdo it - your aim is to strengthen your joints, not to endanger them. Then, you need to reduce the stress put on joints and being overweight is the main reason of joints' overbear. That's why working on your diet a bit may also be in order.
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.
Over-the-counter pain killers such as Acetaminophen are also an acceptable solution for those who do not want to ask their doctors for some prescription drugs. If it doesn't help though, contact your doctor immediately and ask for some stronger drugs. Just remember to learn about the side-effects - as you are going to take the pills for a long time, you'd better be prepared for all possible problems.
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 best thing you can do is to stay in shape and be as relaxed as you can. Such factors as the overweight makes putting stress on the joints much easier, and lack of muscles makes the cartilage loss happen much faster. Generally, stay fit, balance your diet, use Omega-3 fatty acids supplement and everything will be all right. - 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.
First of course, contact your doctor. However, you can do much more than just taking pills. The most important thing you can do is to do exercises. First, you have to keep your joints moving if you want to strengthen them and reduce the cartilage loss. The best idea is usually to employ some aerobic-like exercise system or swimming. Weigh lifting may also be a good idea, but do not overdo it - your aim is to strengthen your joints, not to endanger them. Then, you need to reduce the stress put on joints and being overweight is the main reason of joints' overbear. That's why working on your diet a bit may also be in order.
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.
Over-the-counter pain killers such as Acetaminophen are also an acceptable solution for those who do not want to ask their doctors for some prescription drugs. If it doesn't help though, contact your doctor immediately and ask for some stronger drugs. Just remember to learn about the side-effects - as you are going to take the pills for a long time, you'd better be prepared for all possible problems.
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 best thing you can do is to stay in shape and be as relaxed as you can. Such factors as the overweight makes putting stress on the joints much easier, and lack of muscles makes the cartilage loss happen much faster. Generally, stay fit, balance your diet, use Omega-3 fatty acids supplement and everything will be all right. - 16752
About the Author:
About this 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.
