Do you often suffer from excruciating pain in your shoulder when lifting an object? Or how about in your back when crouching to pick up a brown boot or something else on the floor? If you do, then it’s possible that you got osteoarthritis already.

Osteoarthritis is just one form of arthritis. And it’s the most common too. It goes by other names as well, including: degenerative arthritis, OA, wear-and-tear arthritis and osteoarthrosis. This disease can affect any joint in your body. However, it usually affects the knees, hips, back and hands.

How does this joint disease take place? A cartilage is a connective tissue found where bones form a joint. It provides cushion and lubrication necessary for movements. However, cartilages may get damaged through overuse or as you normally age. Pain and inflammation is present in affected areas of the body. Your movements become limited as well. Aside from overusing a body part and aging, other causative factors include: obesity, injury and even heredity.

As soon as you suspect you’re suffering from it, it’s important that you immediately see your doctor. A physical examination should reveal whether or not you’re afflicted with the disease. Based on the findings, a treatment mode will have to be given, to help deal with the signs and symptoms.

It’s not unlikely for medications to be prescribed. Analgesic has to be taken for pain. While for swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are usually given. For severe cases, there are also medications administered through injection.

Adapting a healthy eating habit is important. If you’re overweight, losing excess pounds will help relieve your joints from too much pressure. Also, eating the right types of foods will supply the right kinds and amounts of nutrients necessary for speedy recovery.

Mild exercises also help in alleviating the pain and improving your limited range of motion. Which exercises to perform should come from an occupational or physical therapist. Performing the right exercises will help strengthen the bones and muscles. It will also help in increasing the flexibility of the affected joints.

There are also food supplements that are said to help in repairing damaged cartilages, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets. The body’s production of glucosamine wears off as you age. It’s an important substance for the formation and repair of cartilage. Other supplements contain substances like methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), omega-3 fatty acids and chrondroitin.

If you will adhere to your doctor’s recommendations, in no time you will benefit from them. You can perform much of your given up activities, such as using an ibanez acoustic electric guitar or playing with your kids. But for severe osteoarthritis cases, undergoing operation may be necessary for relief.

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