Do you often suffer from excruciating pain in your shoulder when lifting an object? Or how about in your back when crouching to pick up a brown boot or something else on the floor? If you do, then it’s possible that you got osteoarthritis already.
There are so many forms of arthritis, and the most prevalent of them is osteoarthritis. It’s sometimes called OA, osteoarthrosis, and degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis. While it can strike any joint in your body, it commonly occurs in the hands, spine, hips and knees.
It happens when the cartilage providing cushioning between your bone joints become damaged. A person suffering from osteoarthritis usually experiences pain and swelling in the affected areas. The normal range of motion becomes limited too. There are many risk factors for this disease. It can be because of age, obesity, injury or overuse of a joint, and even hereditary factors.
If you’re suffering from this joint disease, there are ways to effectively reduce the signs and symptoms. But first, it’s important to visit a doctor. An examination should reveal whether it’s actually osteoarthritis you’re suffering from. Based on the findings, your doctor will come up with a suitable mode of treatment.
It’s not unlikely for medications to be prescribed. Analgesic has to be taken for pain. While for swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are usually given. For severe cases, there are also medications administered through injection.
If you’re overweight, then a particular diet may be given by your doctor. This is important to help you lose weight, thus freeing your joints from too much pressure. Such diet will also focus on foods that will provide you with the right nutrients good for your recuperation.
You may also be referred to a physical therapist. A physical therapist will provide you with exercises which you can use to your advantage. They will help you improve your normal range of motion. Also, they will assist in strengthening your muscles and increasing your flexibility.
There are also food supplements that are said to help in repairing damaged cartilages, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets. The body’s production of glucosamine wears off as you age. It’s an important substance for the formation and repair of cartilage. Other supplements contain substances like methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), omega-3 fatty acids and chrondroitin.
If you will adhere to your doctor’s recommendations, in no time you will benefit from them. You can perform much of your given up activities, such as using an ibanez acoustic electric guitar or playing with your kids. But for severe osteoarthritis cases, undergoing operation may be necessary for relief.