How To Deal With Osteoarthritis

Do you have painful and stiff joints that are difficult to move? Does the pain increase during cold weather? If you have these symptoms, you could be a victim of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is due to the natural wear and tear of the joints. It is also known as degenerative joint disease or hypertrophic arthritis and is common in adults over 45. The fingers, knees, hips, and spine are usually affected.

Signs of osteoarthritis are joint stiffness and pain that may increase during cold weather. There is swelling and limited movement of the affected joint that is sometimes accompanied by a cracking or grating sound.

Factors that contribute to the disease are injury to the joint lining or joint stress due to physical activities or aging.

At times, osteoarthritis is characterized by acute or sudden inflammatory episodes or flare-ups. These are common in joints of the hands and knees. Symptoms include intense pain, inflammation, and immobility. These flare-ups may be due to trauma or synovitis, the inflammation of the synovial membrane that surrounds a joint cavity.

Rest is important during acute cases but normal activity should be resumed as soon as symptoms disappear. Inactivity will only make the muscle around the joint smaller and weaker.

Acute pain and inflammation can be relieved with the use of analgesics or oral and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). However, these have numerous side effects and should never be used without first consulting a doctor. A safer alternative is Flexcerin, a natural supplement that rebuilds worn joints, lubricates stiff joints, and soothes aching and inflamed joints. Check out http://www.flexcerin.com for details.

The following measures from Dr. H. Winter Griffith, a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, may help those suffering from osteoarthritis:

1) To relieve pain, apply heat to painful and stiff joints for 20 minutes two or three times a day. Use hot towels, hot tubs, infrared heat lamps, electric heating pads or deep-heating ointments or lotions. Swim often in a heated pool or move around in a whirlpool space.

2) If osteoarthritis of the neck causes pain in the arms, wear a soft, immobilizing collar (Thomas collar). If this isn't helpful, buy or rent a neck-traction device for home use.

3) Massage the muscles around painful joints. Massaging the joint itself is not helpful. If osteoarthritis affects the spine, sleep on your back on a very firm mattress or place 3/4-inch plywood between
your box springs and mattress. Waterbeds help some people.

4) Avoid chilling. Wear thermal underwear or avoid outdoor activity in cold weather.

5) Keep a positive outlook on life. Don't think of your self as an invalid. Remain active to prevent wasting of muscles.