Experiencing Ache Knees and Back? You may have Osteoarthritis

by Kamau Austin

Are you noticing as you mature you are experiencing stiffness or pain in your knees, ankles, back, and elbows? If you are 35 and above symptoms like these may be the early signs of Osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

According to the US government's National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases "Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis."

Moreover Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.

Unlike other forms of arthritis which may affect internal organs Osteoarthritis primarily causes problems between the cartilage and joints.

Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away.

In other words as we mature you can start to experience Osteoarthritis because the cartilage between you knees, back, and other joints may begin to erode or wear away.

A Healthy Lifestyle Can Ease the Pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, maybe you think you're doomed to a lifetime of pain and discomfort. The truth is that many people live long and full lives, even while living with rheumatoid arthritis. But if you truly want to thrive despite your diagnosis, chances are you'll have to reconsider your lifestyle choices. Living a healthy lifestyle is of course recommended for all. But it becomes even more important if you are a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer.

One important thing you should do is to learn to respond to your body. You should become aware of when you feel joint stiffness the most. Make a note of when you feel joint discomfort. You will have to learn to test and set your limits. By paying attention to how your body reacts to certain physical activities, you will learn to avoid overexertion.

Another important thing to keep your body healthy and pain-free is to do some kind of regular physical activity. Think of exercise as an important part of your treatment. Many research studies have shown that some form of regular physical activity can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise can also help increase your flexibility, strengthen your muscles, reduce your fatigue, and provide you with an overall feeling of well being. Don't be afraid of exercise or trying new physical activities because of your rheumatoid arthritis. For the most part, you'll be fine as long as you learn to read your body's signs and avoid overexertion. There are three general types of exercises that are well suited to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. They are: flexibility exercises, cardio or aerobic exercises, and strengthening exercises. Yoga and Pilates are good examples of exercises that can substantially gently increase your range of motion. Running, walking, and bicycling are excellent aerobic exercises that are good for your heart and overall joint health. Water exercises in particular are good for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers because it increases your flexibility while increasing your strength.

Before you begin an exercise program, make certain to speak with your health care provider. As a rheumatoid arthritis patient, your doctor may be able to prescribe specific exercises that can help alleviate your symptoms. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to a physical therapist that you can work with.

Another very important facet of taking care of your self has to do with eating well. Eating well not only helps you get the right nutrients, but also to maintain a healthy weight. This is particularly important for good joint health. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Low fat dairy products and lean proteins are also important for preserving bone integrity. Make certain that you are getting enough of the right nutrients, including vitamin c and calcium. If you suspect you may not be getting enough of these nutrients, pay a visit to your doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe specific supplements that will help combat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also bone spurs, small growths called entophytes, may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space. This causes more pain and damage.

According to government studies Osteoarthritis affects about 20 million Americans. Over 50 % of Americans over 65 have osteoarthritis in a least one joint. It is more common for men than women to have osteoarthritis before 45. However after 45 it is more common for women to experience the symptoms of this condition. By 2030 70 million Americans will be over the age of 65 and may be at risk for osteoarthritis.

While younger people may get osteoarthritis from sports related knee and joint injuries osteoarthritis is primarily a condition more mature people experience. If you experience symptoms like the ones described above talk to you doctor to see if you have osteoarthritis or some other condition.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis seem to appear in the knee, lower back, ends of the fingers, back of the neck, thumbs and hips.

Some of the treatments the doctor may prescribe are:

1. - Exercise is inexpensive and may help with a number of health problems including certain forms of osteoarthritis. As you may know exercise can help improve your attitude, disposition, mood and overall outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general physical fitness.

Reports have shown if done correctly, it has few negative side effects. The amount and form of exercise will depend on which joints are involved, how stable the joints are, and whether a joint replacement has already been done.

The proper exercise may help you recapture some range of movement in stiff joints.

2. - Weight control: Osteoarthritis patients who are overweight or obese need to lose weight. Weight loss can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and limit further injury. A dietitian can help patients develop healthy eating habits. A healthy diet and regular exercise help reduce weight.

3. Medicines: Doctors prescribe medicines to eliminate or reduce pain and to improve functioning. Doctors consider a number of factors when choosing medicines for their patients with osteoarthritis. Two important factors are the intensity of the pain and the potential side effects of the medicine. Patients must use medicines carefully and tell their doctors about any changes that occur.

4 - Surgery : As a last resort a surgery to replace a joint may be in order from your doctor.

For many people, surgery helps relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. Surgery may be performed to remove loose pieces of bone and cartilage from the joint if they are causing mechanical symptoms of buckling or locking Resurface (smooth out) bones Reposition bones Replace joints. Surgeons may replace affected joints with artificial joints called prostheses. These joints can be made from metal alloys, high-density plastic, and ceramic material.

Before undertaking expensive surgery or investing in pricey medicines perhaps you should consider taking a health supplement called Phosoplex. Phosoplex a product of Optimal Therapeutics, boasts some of the best ingredients available to help alleviate pain associated with Osteoarthritis.

I have used Phosoplex when training in fitness activity to help rid myself of knee and back pain. I would strongly recommend you investigating this quality product if you seek relief from Osteoarthritis.

About the author:

Kamau Austin is a health and fitness enthusiast and advocate. He is also the publisher of ... www.healthandfitnessvitality.com . He writes on a regular basis on timeless health and fitness tips at the Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful health and fitness news and tips at... http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

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