Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, a chronic degenerative disease of joints, the treatment can help to reduce the joint pain and improve flexibility and mobility of joints. It is very important to relieve osteoarthritis pain as it can restrict the mobility of joints and affect the quality of life.
There are various treatment options for osteoarthritis pain relief such as medications, self-care measures, exercises, various therapies such as hydrotherapy, massage therapy, yoga and acupuncture, herbal remedies and home remedies.
Though medications are significantly effective for osteoarthritis pain relief, they can cause some side-effects. Hence, many people today prefer some home remedies which are equally reliable and effective. It is very important to start the treatment when the first signs of joint pain, stiffness or swelling appear.
As obesity is one of the possible causes of osteoarthritis, it is necessary to control your body weight and maintain the healthy weight. You can maintain the weight by some exercises and balanced diet. Healthy diet is an important factor in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Your diet should include plenty of foods which are low in fat and high in fibers, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes including lentils, dried beans and peas. The diet should be rich in vitamin C and E, anti-oxidants and the essential fatty acids especially omega-3. The nuts, fish oil, vegetables, citrus fruits, the food rich in calcium and fish help to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs as a result of the breakdown of the cartilage in the joints. In a normal joint, the ends of the bones are covered with cartilage: a durable, elastic tissue that protects the bones and allows the joint to move freely. Cartilage gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs by absorbing them, like a sponge, from the joint fluid (called synovial fluid). As the joint bends, waste products are squeezed out of the cartilage; as the joint relaxes, nutrients and oxygen are absorbed. (Controlled movement, therefore, benefits the joints.)
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage thins out and may even wear away, leaving areas where bones rub directly against each other. As a result, the edges of the bones may thicken and form bony swellings called spurs (medically known as osteophytes). Stiffness and dull pain in the joints, with little or no inflammation, are generally the result. These are the typical symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, and spine) are most frequently involved in osteoarthritis. Other joints often affected are the finger joints closest to the tips of the fingers, which may develop bony knobs. The joint at the base of the thumb and the big-toe joint may also be affected.
Osteoarthritis rarely affects the wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, or jaw. Although osteoarthritis may affect more than one joint at a time, the disease does not affect other systems or organs of the body.
Osteoarthritis is considered a chronic disease, but it may not necessarily get progressively worse, and many people with the condition are relatively free of symptoms. Few people are severely disabled by the disease.
Most osteoarthritis sufferers swear by these practices for their osteoarthritis relief:
Regular exercise
Aside from helping you have a fantastic figure; regular exercise can provide you with great osteoarthritis relief. It keeps your joints moving thus enabling the nutrients to set in as well as keeping the cartilage healthy. Getting minimal exercise eliminates motion causing the surrounding area to weaken.
Diet
Your diet is one of the factors that affect the frequency of the pain you may experience when osteoarthritis attacks. Certain foods that can trigger the pain should be avoided if you are after osteoarthritis relief. Avoid refined and processed foods and get more fruits and vegetable on your diet. Go for foods rich in calcium like milk and drink plenty of water everyday.
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Avoid strain
Straining your joint can trigger the pain. If you suspect that the work to be done is going to strain your joints, find an alternative to do it. If the cartilage in your joint as well as the surrounding area is weakening, take it easy and avoid straining it by lifting heavy objects.
Warm treatment
Deep heat treatment will also provide osteoarthritis relief and comfort. If the pain is unbearable, you can first resort to this kind of treatment to ease the pain.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is another osteoarthritis relief. It is not an actual home remedy but if you can see your therapist on a regular basis, chances are he or she will help you understand the importance of movement and good posture as well as giving you therapy to boost joint cartilage lubrication.
Medication
For instant osteoarthritis relief, you can take prescribed medicines given by your doctor. Do not take more than what they prescribed no matter how bad the pain is. Overdosing can also affect and trigger the pain. Take your medicines with you especially when you travel since you can't tell exactly when you'll need osteoarthritis relief.
Osteoarthritis is common among older people and it is usually felt during the cold season. However, the younger generation can also develop this ailment especially if they don't have balanced meals and regular exercise.
Pain caused by osteoporosis can be very severe, it can actually prevent you from doing your daily activities, and some even stay in bed because they can't walk. If you are suffering from mild osteoarthritis, it is better to visit your doctor for immediate treatment.
Also read about Herbal Remedies for Osteoarthritis
Joint Pain, Gout, Knee Pain or read more on swamiramdevmedicines.com
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