Are you aware that next to cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis is increasingly one of the most debilitating disease today due to longer life expectancy, poor health habits, overweight/obesity, imbalance of joint functions and overstrain? Particularly, osteoarthritis of the knee is the degeneration of the joint cartilage and bone which causes pain, swelling and limited mobility. While osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, neck, lower back, knees and hips. When you think about it, we rely on our knees for just about everything from climbing stairs, getting  into the bath tub, dancing, chasing our kids around and so much more.

Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But osteoarthritis treatments can slow the progression of the disease, relieve pain and improve  joint function.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

• Pain. Your joint may hurt during or after movement.
• Tenderness. Your joint may feel tender when you apply light pressure to it.
• Stiffness. Joint stiffness may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
• Loss of flexibility. You may not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
• Grating sensation. You may hear or feel a grating sensation when you use the joint.
• Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.

Alternative Medicine:

• Acupuncture. Some studies indicate that acupuncture can relieve pain and improve function in people who have knee osteoarthritis. During acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted into your skin at precise spots on your body. Risks include infection, bruising and some pain where needles are inserted into your skin.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin. Studies have been mixed on these nutritional supplements. A few have found benefits for people with osteoarthritis, while most indicate that these supplements work no better than placebo. Don’t use glucosamine if you’re allergic to shellfish. Glucosamine and chondroitin may interact with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and cause bleeding problems.
• Tai chi and yoga. These movement therapies involve gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use these therapies to reduce stress in their lives, though small studies have found that tai chi and yoga may reduce osteoarthritis pain. When led by a knowledgeable instructor, these therapies are safe. Avoid moves that cause pain in your joints.

Our bodies are designed to repair itself, but it needs help and that’s the reason eating properly and exercise  is so important. When you take the time to take care of your body, your body will take care of you!

 

Some information from the Mayo Clinic website.