Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. And it’s so prevalent in our society that either you have it or know someone who does. Osteoarthritis, (O.A.) occurs when the cartilage at the ends of the bones in each joint begins to break down and the joints begin to rub against each other, causing pain. With the odds stacked against us and no known cure for O.A., the more we know about the condition, the better.
Is Arthritis a Natural Part of Aging?
Yes, arthritis is a natural part of aging. The affliction usually presents after age 45 and starts as a response to normal wear and tear inflicted upon the joints over the course of the previous years of living. The older a person is, the more wear and tear the joints will have and the more severe the arthritis. Being overweight also is a key factor in a person developing arthritis. The additional weight places the joints under more stress and causes cartilage to wear out faster. The good news is that not every older and/or overweight adult will develop arthritis, but remaining active and maintaining a healthy weight as we age certainly reduces the risk of developing O.A.
Is Medication is the Only Treatment for Arthritis?
Medication should be used as the last resort to pain management and joint mobility when treating arthritis. Exercise is the first and best choice for managing the pain and stiffness.
Low impact exercise, like swimming and walking, work to strengthen the muscles and bones around the afflicted joints, which in turn relieves the pain by increasing flexibility and stabilizing the joint. Daily exercise also helps to shed extra weight, taking even more pressure off the joints.
Medication can and should be taken as needed to relieve pain. But the goal of over-the-counter medications or prescription arthritis drugs is to relieve pain and increase flexibility, both of which exercise does without the use of medication.
Will Supplements Help Arthritis?
Vitamin D, glucosamine and chondrotin are three of the most popular supplements that claim to ease the pain and progression of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately there is little medical evidence to support those claims. If taking a supplement seems to help in your particular case of arthritis, discuss it with your doctor to avoid any drug interactions.