Experiencing Ache Knees and Back? You may have Osteoarthritis by:Stephanie McIntyre & 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 or

older 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 protective slippery tissue that

covers the ends of the 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.

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 condition of course 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.

Research shows 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: If you suffer from Osteoarthritis and are

overweight or obese you should look to lose weight. Weight loss

can help to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and limit

further injury. A dietitian can or knowledgeable fitness coach

can help you develop healthy eating habits. A healthy diet and

regular exercise of 3 to 6 days a week can help reduce weight.

3. - Medicines: Doctors prescribe medicines to eliminate or

reduce pain and to improve functioning. Doctors consider a

number of before giving you medicines for osteoarthritis. Two

important considerations are the intensity of your pain and the

potential side effects of the medicine.

You must use medicines carefully and tell your doctors about any

changes that occur with your health.

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.

Kamau Austin is a health and fitness enthusiast and advocate.

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

About the author

Stephanie McIntyre and Kamau Austin are health and fitness

enthusiasts and advocates. They write 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

kamau@searchengineplan.com

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