As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common side effect of the
natural wear and tear on your joints from daily activities and work. Osteoarthritis,
or OA, can literally affect any joint throughout your body, however it is commonly
expected in major, weight-bearing joints.
Most frequently, the wearing down of the cartilage can cause injury, which is what
many OA treatments are created to address. And, with the proper medical attention,
you can expect the pain relief and necessary prevention you need to live an active,
comfortable, and healthy life.
Causes and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can be caused by many different factors, most of which are due to
lifestyle factors, genetics, or underlying medical conditions.
• Heredity – There are specific genes responsible for producing cartilage and
with certain defects, your joints might be at an increased risk for weakness
and deterioration over time.
• Lifestyle Factors – Obesity, previous injuries to major joints, and joint
overuse can all serve as precursors to OA, putting you at increased risk.
• Underlying Conditions – Certain diseases can also cause the onset of OA,
including rheumatoid arthritis or certain conditions that cause excessive
levels of iron or growth hormone in the body.
With this in mind, you might also be wondering what the frequent symptoms of
osteoarthritis are. The symptoms will be specifically related to any affected joints
and might include:
• Pain – Pain can occur with any type of movement or after long periods of rest
or inactivity.
• Stiffness – Stiffness is another common symptom, especially after long rest
periods.
• Swelling or Other Enlargement – Enlargements of the joints or swelling is
another common symptom of OA.
Treatment Options: Traditional and Alternative Methods
As is the case with many orthopedic conditions, it is quite common to turn to
medications, exercise, physical therapy, weight loss, supportive braces, or even
surgery in order to remedy the pain and discomfort of OA. However, these
traditional options can sometimes prove to be ineffective, making it even more
important to find alternative methods that promise similar, if not better, results.
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