There are three main reasons of osteoarthritis. The first is a genetic predisposition - if someone from your family has it, you are at greater risk of having it yourself. However, two other reasons are much more common: overweight and a long-term stress on some particular joint.
The mechanism or osteoarthritis is very simple: the condition is really caused by wearing off the cartilage in the joints. Then, the bones to rub each other while the joint moves, which causes terrible pain, stiffness and finally inability to move the joint. Osteoarthritis is very common - over 21 million people in the U.S. suffer from it. While this arthritis affects mostly those over forty-five years old, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age.
The good news is that while you may be predisponed to suffer from osteoarthritis, there is much you can do to make this disease to come later and in less severe form. The key to that is staying fit. First, you have to reduce your weight - every pound of fat you don't have on you is a few months more in good health. That's why a healthy diet is a must. Then, you need a lot of cardiovascular exercises. They will help you keep a stable weight. More importantly however, keeping your muscles in good shape is essential to reduce the amount of stress put to the joint's cartilage. Do not overexert yourself though, especially if your joints are already aching. The point is to strengthen the muscles, not to stress your joints too much. Also, make sure that your joints - especially wrists and knees - are protected. Injury,
As for the diet, you have to keep in mind that while you should generally reduce the fat intake, some fatty acids like Omega-3 are necessary to keep your osteoarthritis in check. The researches about the influence of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have only just begun, but their positive anti-inflammatory effects have been confirmed well enough to make many doctors encourage their patients to increase their intake either by changing their diet or by taking food supplements such as Omega Daily.
Remember that osteoarthritis can cause only mild problems - but only in case you detect it early and start the treatment soon after. If you feel pain the joint(s) and they can't move as easily as they used to be, contact your doctor ASAP. - 16089
The mechanism or osteoarthritis is very simple: the condition is really caused by wearing off the cartilage in the joints. Then, the bones to rub each other while the joint moves, which causes terrible pain, stiffness and finally inability to move the joint. Osteoarthritis is very common - over 21 million people in the U.S. suffer from it. While this arthritis affects mostly those over forty-five years old, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age.
The good news is that while you may be predisponed to suffer from osteoarthritis, there is much you can do to make this disease to come later and in less severe form. The key to that is staying fit. First, you have to reduce your weight - every pound of fat you don't have on you is a few months more in good health. That's why a healthy diet is a must. Then, you need a lot of cardiovascular exercises. They will help you keep a stable weight. More importantly however, keeping your muscles in good shape is essential to reduce the amount of stress put to the joint's cartilage. Do not overexert yourself though, especially if your joints are already aching. The point is to strengthen the muscles, not to stress your joints too much. Also, make sure that your joints - especially wrists and knees - are protected. Injury,
As for the diet, you have to keep in mind that while you should generally reduce the fat intake, some fatty acids like Omega-3 are necessary to keep your osteoarthritis in check. The researches about the influence of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have only just begun, but their positive anti-inflammatory effects have been confirmed well enough to make many doctors encourage their patients to increase their intake either by changing their diet or by taking food supplements such as Omega Daily.
Remember that osteoarthritis can cause only mild problems - but only in case you detect it early and start the treatment soon after. If you feel pain the joint(s) and they can't move as easily as they used to be, contact your doctor ASAP. - 16089
About the Author:
About this Author: Andrew John writes on the subjects that are important in helping people help themselves. For more information on Omega Daily and Osteoarthritis just click on one of the above links.
