Osteoarthritis is considered the most common form of arthritis and the one most often found in seniors. It is estimated that 20 million Americans have arthritis, and the annual societal cost is close to $95 billion. Osteoarthritis is also more common among women than among men.

Although osteoarthritis can be linked to age, other risk factors may be evident, such as previous injury or trauma. Unfortunately for today’s society, with its ever expanding waistline, obesity can have a detrimental effect on osteoarthritis especially in the load bearing joints. Osteoarthritis symptoms will in most cases attack one’s hands, back, knees and very commonly their hips

While OA is far less prevalent in the shoulder joint, but it’s not unheard of. OA pain in the shoulder, or glenohumeral joint to give it it’s medical name, will when it’s apparent be most likely attributed to an injury sustained in the past. Discovering the actual cause of one’s OA can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, some factors are known however and should be considered, such as what strain certain types of occupation may be having on the condition.

Being overweight is a modern day epidemic, one witch can have serious consequences for all of us especially arthritics suffering with osteoarthritis. Losing those excess pounds will lessen the strain on the load bearing joints, which in turn will help one’s OA.

Osteoarthritis is unfortunately an on going condition

OA is not normally thought of as being an inflammatory arthritis condition, having said that, recent studies have indicated that arthritics who suffer with osteoarthritis do carry a greater level of cells which cause the inflammation of the joint area.

OA as we know is a very common and unfortunately an on going condition, which does tend to kick in as our body’s get older, however more recently reported cases of OA indicate the conditions apparent rise amongst a younger population, which is set to become a significant health issue in the near future. So, while it is still true to say that OA is more prevalent with age, it is not true to describe osteoarthritis as an inevitable part of growing older.

Osteoarthritis is a variable disease, as there are many different types, affecting different joints, and is considered a progressive disease that worsens over time. Patients can develop other symptoms such as loss of movement, stiffness and swelling in the hip and snapping of the hip.

The Inevitable Deterioration of the Joint

The breaking up of the cartilage can cause Inflammation of the surrounding joint capsule, though often mild, compared to that which occurs in rheumatoid arthritis.

The swelling is brought on by tiny pieces of the damaged bone finding its way in to the synovial space. Many severe cases of swelling attributed to OA may impair joint mobility.

Joint pain is normally worse later in the day. There can be swelling, pain, warmth, and cracking of the affected joints. Joint replacement is usually recommended for older patients, but can sometimes be performed on younger patients in exceptional cases.

Hip and knee surgery is the most common type of joint replacement carried out today, most operations are successful, however in the long term the replaced joint will only have around an 85% chance of still being intact, around 15 years is often mentioned as the average life-span of these join replacements. Joint replacement is the last resort.

Osteoarthritis Relief Through Exercise

Exercise does not normally aggravate osteoarthritis when performed at levels that do not cause joint pain. Exercise is helpful in osteoarthritis in several ways, most notably aiding mobility and strengthening of the joints. Exercising can also help lower your cholesterol and reduce excess weight.

Remember one should always talk to a physician about what types of exercise would appropriate for one’s particular condition. A health care professional will be able to recommend an appropriate exercise program.

Arthritis Supplements are Not Regulated by the FDA

Don’t be tempted in to taking supplements that promise the earth, yes they just might work for you, however unless they are governed by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) who knows what your taking, you may end up with a container full of capsules containing nothing more than, ground rock and chalk. Only use FDA approved products.

Treat Arthritis The Natural Way

One can in many cases successfully treat one’s own arthritis, using the right alternative approach, even if they suffer with osteoarthritis. This may sound a bit new age, however modern medicine took its roots from nature, Devils claw (herb) is known to reduce swelling and pain. many sufferers have been shown to greatly improve when they cut out certain foods or restrict their diet.

Flush the Toxins from Your Body – And Start Recovering!

Drink as much filtered water on a daily basis as you can, you should aim to consume around 2 litres a day where possible. Drinking excessive amounts of water helps remove the harmful toxins trapped in the body, and can ultimately help relieve symptoms of arthritis. Avoid using water straight from the tap as it will probably contain heavy metal deposits, which are also damaging to the bones.

Eat lots of fruit, make it part of your everyday routine, most fresh fruit contain natures best antioxidant, most fruit will help one’s arthritis, However avoid the citrus variety. Other food which is known to be beneficial to many suffering with OA are oily fish which contain high levels of fatty acids and vitamin E.

Alternative arthritis medicine and practices can and will address one’s condition Natural practices are known to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness with dramatic results, these same natural treatments can greatly improve mobility in the effected joint. Take a good look around and try a few of the ideas, most of the information is free if you keep looking.