How to Get Rid of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It causes pain, swelling and reduced motion in your joints. It can occur in any joint, but usually it affects your hands, knees, hips or spine. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When OA is found in a less-frequently affected joint, there is usually a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma may contribute to the development of OA. For example, if you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling, or squatting, you may be at high risk for OA of the knee. Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But osteoarthritis treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active. Taking steps to actively manage your osteoarthritis may help you gain control over your osteoarthritis pain. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. In the United States, all races appear equally affected.

Osteoarthritis is sometimes abbreviated OA. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time. Cartilage is a smooth shiny material that covers joints allowing them to glide easily as you move. It is a type of resilient connective tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones in joints. Osteoarthritis is classified as non-inflammatory arthritis. This suggests that there is no inflammation (swelling), but recent research shows that this is not true. Although there is usually no swelling in the early stage of the disease, as the arthritis progresses there can be inflammation. Bits of cartilage may break off and float around inside the joint. This disturbs other soft tissues inside the joint and can cause pain and swelling between bones. The result is you may have trouble moving the joint. Therapies that manage osteoarthritis pain and improve function include exercise, weight control, rest, pain relief, alternative therapies and surgery.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Common causes and risk factors of Osteoarthritis:-

1. Metabolic condition like acromegaly
2. Previous injury in joints
3. Inflammatory disorder like septic arthritis
4. Abnormal joints at the birth
5. Diseases such as diabetes, gout or hormonal disorders
6. Obesity adds to the stress and strain on the joints

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms of a Osteoarthritis include:-

1. Joint pain in rainy weather.
2. Joint effusion (swelling).
3. Bony enlargements and osteophyte formation.
4. Crepitus (crackling, grinding noise with movement).
5. Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it and is relieved by rest.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): has been shown to be as effective as nonsteroidal medication in treating the pain of knee osteoarthritis. Individuals should keep their dose of acetaminophen to under 2000 mg a day as higher doses could cause kidney disease.
2. Although there is little evidence for the effectiveness of complementary therapies in treating osteoarthritis, 60 percent of people with all forms of arthritis have used or are using one type or another. If you have severe side-effects as a result of medication, you may find acupuncture or reflexology helpful in relieving pain.
3. The most common medications used to treat osteoarthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are pain relievers that reduce pain and swelling. Types include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
4. Physical therapy: Physical therapy is aimed at restoring muscle strength, protecting the joint and maximizing the amount of function that a joint has. Physical therapy can be especially beneficial to the patient who wants to delay surgical intervention.
5. Exercise: Some studies have shown that generalized conditioning and aerobic exercise can decrease pain and increase function in patients with osteoarthritis.
6. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy is aimed at providing direction in performing the activities of daily living and recommending appropriate devices such as canes and bathroom equipment to maintain independence.

Home Remedies for Osteoarthritis

1. Fresh juices –Fresh juice made of carrot, apples and many more can be easily engrossed by the patient’s body and contains different nutrients which are essential for the body for giving energy.
2. Horsetail –The silicon content of horsetail increase the force of connective tissue and anti-arthritic action in the medicine. The osteoarthritis patient should take three capsules of horsetail daily to rebuild bones.
3. Cherries, hawthorn berries and blueberries –These compounds improve collagen matrix integrity and structure and are the rich sources of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins. These are useful for the arthritis patient.
4. Angelica root – 5 drops of angelica oil can be added to a hot bath and angelica root compress can be applied to reduce spasms, pain and inflammation in the joints.
5. White willow –It acts as a pain reliever and is slow acting and tends to have longer effect than aspirin. It reduces the osteoarthritis pain and is generally suggested by the doctor as a natural medicine.
6. Ginger –It acts as an anti-inflammatory for the arthritis patient. Ginger tea is very useful for the arthritis person because it makes them fresh.
7. Cayenne – The burning substance “Capsaicin” in cayenne creams is used to relieve pain of osteoarthritis patient.