Relief From Osteoarthritis Symptoms
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.
Osteoarthritis is just one form of arthritis. And it’s the most common too. It goes by other names as well, including: degenerative arthritis, OA, wear-and-tear arthritis and osteoarthrosis. This disease can affect any joint in your body. However, it usually affects the knees, hips, back and hands.
This joint disease can be caused by a number of things. It can be because of obesity, trauma, heredity and age. It may also be due to repeated use of a body part. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage – a connective tissue functioning as the joint’s protective pads – becomes worn out. Pain and swelling is experienced in the affected areas. Because of this, the normal range of motion may become limited.
If you think you’re suffering from osteoarthritis, it’s important to consult with your doctor immediately. Based on the result of your physical examination, a treatment course will have to be designed. Mild to moderate cases of the disease may benefit from the following approaches in easing the signs and symptoms.
Medications will be likely prescribed. Analgesics will help you with pain relief. For the swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be administered. There are also certain medications given through injection, for severe cases.
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.
Mild exercises also help in alleviating the pain and improving your limited range of motion. Which exercises to perform should come from an occupational or physical therapist. Performing the right exercises will help strengthen the bones and muscles. It will also help in increasing the flexibility of the affected joints.
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.
When you cooperate with your doctor and take good care of your joints, in no time you can get back to having a normal life. You can once more play your ibanez acoustic electric guitar or engage in recreation with your kids. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and ease the symptoms.
Tags: drugs, osteoarthritis, treatment