Osteoarthritis is along with rheumatoid arthritis one of the two main forms of arthritis that is prevalent in today's society. It is a disease of the joints that affects the cartilage tissue, which prevents the joints from grinding together, with osteoarthritis the cartridge can break down. This means that the different bones in the joints come into contact with each other and gradually wear away causing damage and pain.
Increasing levels of this disease mean that within two decades it is possible that around 20% of aged people in the US will be suffering with this condition. In older patients the disease tends to be more common in women than in men, although before middle age this is reversed. Although it affects people differently, some doctors believe that different factors as such as obesity, age, stress impacts on joints and sports can affect the likelihood of contracting the disease.
The most common areas that are affected are the fingers, neck, back and hips. When the fingers are affected they can become misshapen and puffed up. This can make it very difficult to do manual tasks and can seriously affect the dexterity of the patient. The hips are quite often affected also and this can cause a lot of difficulty in normal everyday tasks such as standing sitting and walking. If the effects are very severe, sometimes the doctor recommends a hip replacement.
If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoarthritis it is a good idea to contact a doctor as soon as possible. If you find you have recurring pains in your joints, or an unnatural degree of stiffness, swelling of joints, or it just seems as though in you can feel bones grinding on each other, then it may be worth seeing your doctor so that he can give you a diagnosis. Doctors use a variety of tests to determine whether you are suffering from this disease including examinations, x-rays and blood tests.
Very often the doctor will, if osteoarthritis is found, make various recommendations to the patient that will help them to cope with both the pain and maintenance of the disease. If overweight, your physician will very often recommend reducing your weight and thus minimizing the pressure on the joints. Also experts in the field very often consider exercise extremely important to keep the joints moving and help the patient maintain mobility. A good diet is also important and can be of great benefits in coping with the disease.
Osteoarthritis is a very painful and debilitating disease but with a good diagnosis and the right treatment and other factors, such as a good diets and proper exercise, as prescribed by a doctor or physician many patients can cope well and learn how to maintain a healthy and positive attitude towards the future.
Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Health-Fitness-Solutions.com. He provides more arthritis relief tips and information on osteoarthritis that you can research in your pajamas on his website.
Written By: Tim Gorman
