Osteoarthritis Symptoms, Natural Treatments and Remedies

Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis mainly seen in old aged people. This article mainly emphasizes on the major symptoms and natural treatments for osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

1. Pain in the form of sharp ache or burning sensation

2. Inflexibility or stiffness of joint

3. Swelling

4. Crepitus or cracking noise while moving the affected joint.

5. Muscle spasm

6. Tendon contraction

7. The affected joint may appear larger than usual.

8. Tenderness at joints

9. Joint effusion due to accumulation of excess fluids within an affected joint.

10. Hard bony enlargements in smaller joints due to osteoarthritis.

Natural Treatments of Osteoarthritis

Medications like Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal pain reducing drugs like aspirin, naproxen, ketoprofen, and ibuprofen are usually recommended for treating osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate supplements are also being prescribed these days. Such supplements increase production of cartilage and have anti-inflammatory properties. If symptoms become too debilitating, one can also opt for joint replacement surgery. However apart from medication and surgery, it is also possible to manage osteoarthritis symptoms by changing life style and diet. Pain management can be done through several home based remedies. Here are some ways to tackle osteoarthritis naturally.

1. Regular exercise, yoga and breathing exercises are very necessary for osteoarthritis patients. Exercise not only reduces joint stiffness, but also strengthens muscles and promotes the growth of cartilages. Range of motion exercises and aerobics should be done by osteoarthritis patients. Breathing exercises relax mind and relieve stress. But high impact sports are to be shunned, for they will only cause further wearing out of damaged joints.

2. Massage therapy is very helpful to treat arthritis. Massaging should be done through smooth strokes and kneading. Massaging reduces muscle spasm and stiffness, improves blood circulation, and eliminates wastes like lactic acid from the joints. Rumatone Gold massage oil, Castor oil, olive oil, mustard oil or hot vinegar may be used for massaging ailing joints.

3. Sea bathing is effective for painful joints. The iodine rich sea water restores and regenerates damaged tissues.

4. Diet should be nutritious and should include antioxidants, Vitamin C, D and E, minerals like Calcium, omega3 fatty acids. Such a diet would keep bones strong and healthy. Thus oily fishes like tuna, salmons, herring, sardines, and mackerel are very useful for osteoarthritis patients. Patients should avoid consuming food items of the nightshade group such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Red meat is to be strictly avoided. Also orange juice should be avoided, for it acts as a stimulant for osteoarthritis pain. Food cooked in flaxseed oil is very helpful for osteoarthritis patients.

5. Herbal tea like that of alfalfa, ginger can relieve patients from swollen and painful joints.

6. The patient should keep the body weight in check by means of exercise and dieting.

7. Hot compress and warm wax application on the affected area may relieve pain.

Osteoarthritis Prevention and Management

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide. The hallmark for diagnosis is degenerative changes within an affected joint. It occurs when the rate of cartilage damage exceeds the rate of repair. Osteoarthritis can result in significant pain, joint stiffness and other manifestations and can have a significant impact on one's quality of life and independence. An exact cause has not been established however, there are a number of risk factors contributing to its development including age, obesity, physical trauma, relative activity level (too much or too little), family history of OA, underlying metabolic issues and faulty posture and joint mechanics. Due to the impact OA can have, an effective preventative and treatment approach becomes important. Whereas many medications have unwanted side effects and only provide symptomatic relief, there are natural methods to prevent, manage and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

How do I prevent or slow the progression of OA?

While we can't necessarily prevent OA 100%, healthy lifestyle choices and reducing risk factors help considerably. If you already have osteoarthritis, do not rely fully on passive treatments. Combing complementary and alternative therapies with appropriate lifestyle modification will lead to improved function, reduced pain and better overall sense of well-being.

1) Weight loss:

Excessive weight can place an undue amount of force and stress on joints. Thus, weight loss is recommended for those who are overweight or obese not only for the beneficial effects on joints but also for overall health.

2) Prevent injuries:

While not all injuries can be avoided, many spinal injuries can be prevented by using appropriate lifting mechanics (maintaining a neutral spine and a strong core). Injuries to the lower extremities can sometimes be avoided by ensuring one wears appropriate footwear.

3) Be physically active:

A healthy cardiovascular system means better health and healing in general. Aim for ½ hour of moderate intensity activity for most days of the week. Exercise is also one of the best non-drug treatments for OA. Some excellent low impact ideas include swimming, tai chi, yoga and walking.

4) Maintain a healthy diet:

A healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients is important for overall health. Indeed, dietary modifications can also affect pain level. Consider an anti-inflammatory diet. Different foods are metabolized differently in the body, some reducing inflammation and others exacerbating it. Foods to include are antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, chicken, omega-3 fats and whole grains. Foods to avoid include high fat meats, cheese, starchy/sugary foods, trans fats, butter, cream and highly processed foods.

5) Take glucosamine:

Glucosamine is a natural substance that the body makes which lubricates joints. With age, however, production is diminished thus making supplementation important. 1500 mg per day is typically recommended for people over 40.

6) Work on posture:

Having good posture will reduce load on joints as it allows body weight to be distributed more evenly. Chiropractors can give specific exercises to correct postural problems including strengthening exercises for relatively weaker muscles and stretches for relatively tense muscles.

7) Chiropractic care:

Regular chiropractic care can detect and correct small problems before they become bigger problems. Adjustments are used to restore mobility in restricted joints and correct alignment. Joint restrictions can accelerate joint degeneration in two ways. First, if one joint is not moving well, other joints must work harder to compensate. Second, the restricted joint itself will begin to degenerate because movement is required for flushing nutrient-rich joint fluid which supports cartilage health. Thus, regular chiropractic care normalizes joint mechanics. In addition, restoring spinal alignment improves communication in the nervous system such that overall healing is optimized.

What else can I do to relieve pain?

1) Try an epsom salt bath:

Warm epsom salt baths help to relieve muscle tension which reduces stress on joints.

2) Sleep well:

Good rest ensures good restoration. Sometimes a new mattress and quality pillow can make all the difference in having a comfortable night.

3) Try pain relieving ointments:

There are many natural anti-inflammatory and pain relieving ointments available in health food stores.

4) Consider orthotic footwear:

Good footwear and orthotics can correct alignment at the base of support and add comfort and shock absorption for joints higher up in the kinetic chain.

5) Other complementary and alternative therapies:

Acupuncture and massage therapy are great alternative therapies for management of painful conditions. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has been shown to be effective for improving symptoms of OA. Massage therapy relaxes muscles which decreases the compressive forces on joints. Consulting with a naturopath can provide more specific recommendations regarding herbal and dietary measures.

1.Hart, J (2008). Osteoarthritis And Complementary Therapies. Alternative and Complementary Therapies; 14(3):116-120.

Osteoarthritis Supplements That Work Best

As a disease that is suffered by millions, osteoarthritis has left many of those affected looking for the perfect remedy or supplements to help alleviate the pain.

There are many of dietary supplements available on the market today to choose from, but knowing which osteoarthritis relief supplement that really works best can be tricky. Use the information below to find out which natural supplements work best to deal with and control osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is one the more popular supplements to help with osteoarthritis relief. It works by stimulating cartilage formation, which is badly needed in repairing the joints. It can actually be bought as glucosamine sulfate as well as hydrochloride. Both are known to help relieve pain.

Another form of dietary relief that is often recommended by health practitioners is chondroitin. When used in combination with other dietary accompaniments, it can help ease pain and delay the narrowing of joint space.

MSM or methylsulfonylmethane is another commonly used osteoarthritis supplement that is found in many fruits, vegetables and meats. Since it possesses anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help reduce to pain caused by the disease.

However, if you want to go for a completely natural supplement that works best for the osteoarthritis, look no further than the Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements. Omega 3 is known to provide the most effective solution in treating joint inflammation conditions. Even better, there are no negative side effects from taking them.

Researches have discovered that Omega 3 fish oil supplements can really help reduce joint pain and inflammation caused by the disease. They are also beneficial to the health of the heart, digestive system, skin and more.Though taking osteoarthritis supplements such as fish oil can do wonders for your osteoarthritis problems, you may also want to include regular exercises as well.

Remember, the best way to deal with osteoarthritis should not totally rely on the supplements you take. You will also need to live a healthier lifestyle. This way, the benefits you get can last longer instead of just something that is short term. Try to maintain a healthy weight, take adequate rest and eat a healthy diet consisting of omega-3 supplements in the form of fish oil supplements. If you are consistent, your osteoarthritis will soon be a thing of the past.

Now that you understand the benefits of fish oil supplements, take a look at the products on my website that I use myself, along with other good tips and advice.

Knee Arthritis Treatment

What you need to know about arthritis of the knee.

The most common form of arthritis in the knee:

The most active type of arthritis in the knee is osteoarthritis. This is where the disease causes a gradual deterioration of the cartilage in the joint, resulting in swelling, sometimes excruciating pain and loss of mobility.

The most likely affected:

Most at risk are women over 50 who are overweight. A hereditary link also seems to be a factor, plus men or women who have experienced fracture to the bone near the joint, a ligament injury or a meniscus tear.

Symptoms associated with knee arthritis:

There is no typical progression of pain as this disease worsens. Weather can play a key factor so cold symptoms can be particularly difficultly in winter months, while summer days can be remarkably easy on the knees but that doesn't mean the arthritis is in remission.

Time is the key factor in measuring its progress along with constant monitoring through x-rays and blood tests.

Most reported symptoms:

• Bow legs or knock-knees.


• Discomfort when active.


• Restricted movement.


• Joint inflammation.


• A sensation which feels like the joint might "pop out".

There are three ways to treat knee arthritis, you can treat the symptoms, have surgery or you can treat the cause - which ideally will fix if not put the disease in to remission.

Treatments for the symptoms of arthritis in the knee:

First things first and that's to go and get a physical examination and an x-ray. A second evaluation is also not a bad idea also as early stages of osteoarthritis can often go undiagnosed.

Each case should be valued on its own merit, so do not interpret this article as a definitive guide for treating arthritis in this region, it merely serves to highlight the practices that patients and practitioners generally follow today.

Acupuncture:

You won't find this endorsed on About.com but acupuncture has to be one of the fastest and more effective methods for acute and serious cases of osteoarthritis, yet it can still be practiced on less damaged joints.

Prof Dr Anton Jayasuriya's methods while often frowned upon in the West, is an art of acupuncture which dates back centuries and is reported to provide instant and permanent relief.

It can reduce the swelling, relieve a patient from pain by up to 80% and provide almost sudden mobility.

Four needles are inserted in to specific stress points - not just points of acupuncture - to a certain depth, then heated till they glow piping red, then gently and swiftly removed one by one.

This practice is repeated 2 to 3 times a day until the swelling has all but disappeared and the pain has relinquished.

Once the course of treatment is complete it is stated to be permanent.

Soothing oils and warming pads are then used by the patient at home to complete the treatment.

Acupuncture does not treat the deterioration of the joint directly, but rather the pain inflammation and lack of movement - the symptoms.

Anti-Inflamatory Prescription Drugs

These have provided the earliest breakthrough in the West for an initial pain release but the effects these have on your body now that they've been on the market for more than two decades, are coming to light.

Prolonged usage of theses NSAID's as they're known have shown to have a debilitating effect on the liver, kidneys and heart, so before deciding to take a quick fix for the inflammation and pain, make sure you lay out what initial health problems you may have with your doctor so the prescription won't conflict with your current medication.

Physical Therapy & Relaxation

Physical therapy and controlled periods of relaxation both help strengthen the muscle around the joint, lightening its burden and reducing the stress.

Meditation, sleep and hypnotherapy are all forms of relaxation that can reduce the amount of pain you're experiencing in your knee and exercise will prevent atrophy of the leg muscles.

Arthritis Surgery

If the disease has simply become unbearable in pain and has left you almost immobile, then surgery today is the last resort.

a) Knee Osteotomy

This is effectively for only young patients who have caught the disease early on and have had a total knee replacement.

b) An Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Or simply known as a partial knee replacement, this again is for a small surgical replacement of the knee when the disease is limited and this is more common among middle to elderly aged patients.

c) Total Knee Replacement

Now that the joint can no longer function the will be the last resort where a plastic and metal implant is fitted in to the knee.

Treatments to Influence Remission of Arthritis in the Knee

a) Biologically Injected Medications

Cortisone injections which ooze the pain and reduce the swelling are much safer and more beneficial than NSAID's, and while they won't influence remission, you can safely take additional joint supplements without any side-effects that can help treat this disease.

b) Joint Supplements and Non-Prescription Treatments

Glucosamine is still lacking in research data, but it is showing signs that it may help the remission process of arthritis in the knee.

Additional non-prescription natural treatments include active compounds found in Capsaicun, Tonkat Ali, Omega 3 Acids and Reishi.

These ingredients not only treat inflammation effectively, they also naturally help block the pain signals being sent from the joint to the brain.

More importantly they assist in rebuilding the cartilage.

Now dry and deteriorated from this disease, these are just some of the ingredients when taken regularly in high concentrations that can help the cartilage function better.

Cod liver oil tablets have for years been used to free up stiff joints for mild arthritis of the knees, but now research over the last decade has given birth to new supplements that not just treat the symptoms but fight it.