Do you feel pain in your hand or shoulder when lifting a bag? Do you feel pain in your hip when bending down to look for your other brown boot under the bed? If so, you could be suffering from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is just one form of arthritis. And it's the most common too. It goes by other names as well, including: degenerative arthritis, OA, wear-and-tear arthritis and osteoarthrosis. This disease can affect any joint in your body. However, it usually affects the knees, hips, back and hands.

This joint disease can be caused by a number of things. It can be because of obesity, trauma, heredity and age. It may also be due to repeated use of a body part. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage - a connective tissue functioning as the joint's protective pads - becomes worn out. Pain and swelling is experienced in the affected areas. Because of this, the normal range of motion may become limited.

If you think you're suffering from osteoarthritis, it's important to consult with your doctor immediately. Based on the result of your physical examination, a treatment course will have to be designed. Mild to moderate cases of the disease may benefit from the following approaches in easing the signs and symptoms.

It's not unlikely for medications to be prescribed. Analgesic has to be taken for pain. While for swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are usually given. For severe cases, there are also medications administered through injection.

As mentioned earlier, obesity can be a causative factor. If such is your case, then it's important for you to shed off unnecessary pounds. Adapting a particular diet recommended by your doctor will help you lose weight, thus relieving excessive pressure on your joints. Such diet will also exclude foods that may worsen the condition.

Mild exercises also help in alleviating the pain and improving your limited range of motion. Which exercises to perform should come from an occupational or physical therapist. Performing the right exercises will help strengthen the bones and muscles. It will also help in increasing the flexibility of the affected joints.

Supplements, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets, will help in slowing down the deterioration of cartilage. Glucosamine is naturally produced by the body. But its production tends to slow down with age. Other supplements may include ingredients such as chrondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

If your osteoarthritis is mild, the above remedies might help you lead a normal life once more. In no time, you'll be back doing your usual activities, like playing your ibanez acoustic electric guitar. However, for severe cases, undergoing surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain or damage.


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