Scientists have long considered osteoarthritis a wear-and-tear disease of joint cartilage. But new evidence about the common form of arthritis has translated into a more accurate view.
The degenerative process is now thought to involve the entire joint — creating bone spurs, bone thickening or enlargement, joint-space narrowing, joint deformities and muscle weakness. These changes are in addition to previously described thinning of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones at their connection point within a joint.
Fortunately, an improved understanding of osteoarthritis has opened the door to new approaches for prevention and treatment.
Arthritis rates rising
Today, more than half of the 46 million Americans with arthritis have osteoarthritis — the most common form. The number has risen 30 percent in the U.S. since 1990, and continues to go up. Aging of the population is largely to blame, according to public health officials.
But aging is not the only cause. OA frequently afflicts working adults, leading to disability and lost days on the job. In addition, female gender, obesity, joint injuries and family history can increase the risk for degenerative joint disease.
Remedies for arthritis
Degenerative arthritis usually affects the joints of the fingers, hips, knees and spine. Often there are no symptoms — either early on or later in the disease — though stiffness, pain or swelling may occur.
For prevention or symptomatic relief, here are some of the top remedies I’ve seen:
Physical activity: Many studies show that regular exercise may alleviate pain and help slow arthritis progression. Other benefits include less depression and fatigue, greater ability to function, better balance and improved overall health.
Experts generally recommend a multipronged approach that includes:
Consulting with your doctor before significantly changing your exercise routine.
Low-impact aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, biking or gardening. These can improve your daily functional abilities and heart health.
Weight-training to help keep your muscles and bones strong.
Stretching, to preserve joint range of motion and improve the flexibility of your muscles. This may include joint-specific exercises prescribed by your doctor or physical therapist. Doing moderate conditioning exercises for the muscles around your knees, for example, can reduce the risk of degenerative knee arthritis by up to 30 percent.
Weight reduction: Gradually shedding excess pounds — usually with a combination of exercise and diet — translates to less stress on your joints. The hips, knees and back are especially susceptible to wear-and-tear from too much weight; for every pound you lose, you unload approximately four pounds off your joints. Studies indicate that losing about five or 10 pounds can cut your arthritis risk in half.
Mind-body therapy: Recording your feelings in a journal is an effective way to let off steam. Other options that can reduce stress and improve joint health include relaxation exercises, breath work, meditation, massage, hypnosis, visual imagery or biofeedback. Be sure to meet your body’s basic need for adequate rest.
Dietary supplements: Early evidence suggests glucosamine and chondroitin can ease arthritis discomfort. These products are not regulated, so notify your doctor if you’re taking supplements.
Medications: Rubbing capsaicin cream on the joint area can help ease the pain. Acetaminophen and over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also effective. Consult your doctor about adverse effects before taking medications.
For more information: Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org.
Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots at doctor@practicalprevention.com.
&Copy; 2008 Elizabeth S. Smoots
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