Osteoarthritis is considered the most common form of arthritis and the one most often found in seniors. It is estimated that 20 million Americans have arthritis, and the annual societal cost is close to $95 billion. Osteoarthritis is also more common among women than among men.

In addition to age, risk factors for osteoarthritis include joint injury and being overweight (especially for knee and hip osteoarthritis). Symptoms are most often prevalent in the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck.

The shoulder joint seems to shrug off OA, (excuse the pun), it’s not true to say that one can not have OA in one’s shoulder, its just not that common. More often than not symptoms of painful OA in the shoulder will normally be as a result of a past trauma or maybe even a previous operation. The reasons for being afflicted with OA are hard to pinpoint, however one’s occupation, weight, and family history may all play a part.

No one is quite sure of the influences of excess weight on osteoarthritis, Does the weight issue actually cause the condition, or does having OA encourage obesity, it’s hard to say (much like the chicken and the egg, I guess). Having said that, what is clear is that a reduction in excess weight will be of benefit to those with OA.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition

Osteoarthritis isn’t typically thought of as an inflammatory disease, but researchers have found that people with osteoarthritis have higher levels of inflammatory cells in their joints than are found in the joints of people who don’t have osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic conditions affecting older adults and a significant public health problem among adults of working age. Although the incidence of osteoarthritis increases with age, the condition is not a normal part of the ageing process.

Osteoarthritis is not just one disease, in fact OA is actually a term used to describe many joint de-generation disease, which may appear in many different joint areas, some cases of OA are without doubt very aggressive and quickly worsen with time. Arthritics suffering with OA may experience a wide range of symptoms depending on the severity of their condition.

Joint Deterioration

OA will eventually begin to destroy the cartilage, which can cause the area around the affected joint to become inflamed, the inflammation in some cases might resemble rheumatoid arthritis.

The swelling is brought on by tiny pieces of the damaged bone finding its way in to the synovial space. Many severe cases of swelling attributed to OA may impair joint mobility.

The effects of osteoarthritis are normally felt at their worst in the morning or last thing at night. With a progressive condition such as OA, surgery is usually the inevitable end result especially in older arthritics, younger patients will normally only be offered joint replacement in exceptional circumstances.

A typical hip or knee joint replacement although common, still only has an 85% chance of being in full functioning condition after around 15 years, Having said that a joint replacement may sometimes be the only avenue to go down, especially in severe cases where mobility has become an issue.

Exercise can Help

Exercise does not normally aggravate osteoarthritis when performed at levels that do not cause joint pain. Exercise is helpful in osteoarthritis in several ways, most notably aiding mobility and strengthening of the joints. Exercising can also help lower your cholesterol and reduce excess weight.

Remember one should always talk to a physician about what types of exercise would appropriate for one’s particular condition. A health care professional will be able to recommend an appropriate exercise program.

Only use FDA Regulated Arthritis Supplements

Don’t be tempted in to taking supplements that promise the earth, yes they just might work for you, however unless they are governed by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) who knows what your taking, you may end up with a container full of capsules containing nothing more than, ground rock and chalk. Only use FDA approved products.

Treating Your Arthritis Without Drugs

Why risk using such harmful drug therapies, when most forms of arthritis may indeed be successfully treated using a combination of simple lifestyle changes. Simple changes to diet will defiantly help, in fact, Using a couple of everyday items you may already have in your kitchen cupboard can successfully reduce swelling and pain from one’s joints when taken in the right combination.

Remove the Harmful Toxins – and Start Feeling Better!

Drinking water has proven to be beneficial in the control of one’s arthritic condition, drinking at least 2 litres a day (filtered if possible), helps to flush the body of toxins. Only use filtered or bottled water, due to the metal content of unfiltered.

People suffering with osteoarthritis may like to experiment with their diet, foods which are known to be good for OA and indeed most types of arthritis are fresh fruit due to the fantastic natural antioxidant properties they contain,(not the citrus variety), Oily fish is especially good for those suffering with arthritis due to it’s high content of fatty acids and vitamin E.

Alternative arthritis medicine and practices can and will address one’s condition Natural practices are known to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness with dramatic results, these same natural treatments can greatly improve mobility in the effected joint. Take a good look around and try a few of the ideas, most of the information is free if you keep looking.