Osteoarthritis is one of the most common ailments among older Americans. While few agree on the exact cause or, for that matter, the cure for this painful condition, steady progress is being made toward a fuller understanding of osteoarthritis. First of all, it is generally agreed upon that age is not the cause of arthritis, and therefore, arthritis is not an inevitable component of aging. However, because of injuries or a lifetime of poor nutritional habits, the body's cartilage begins to harden and deteriorate in later life for many, resulting in stiff and painful joints.
Osteoarthritis also has many seemingly occupational causes: athletes develop arthritis around the site of old injuries; those who do physical work experience arthritis pain in the knees, back, and shoulders; those who spend much of their workday typing—as well as artists and musicians develop pain in the joints in the hands and wrists. Of course, none of us can avoid putting stress on the joints during everyday activities.
Obesity is a known cause of arthritis. Excessive body weight places too much stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips. Developing arthritis as a result of obesity is completely avoidable with a solid diet and exercise plan. Smoking is another avoidable cause of arthritis pain. Smoking increases the likelihood of developing chronic pain and degenerative disc disease. Obesity and smoking also render the body less able to heal after surgery.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis, namely the pain and swelling. And while glucosamine enjoyed a brief reputation as a cartilage building supplement, there has been a great deal of evidence that this is untrue. It may be that the supplement simply doesn't work for everyone. Or, perhaps the placebo effect is significant enough to convince individuals that they are feeling less pain. Whatever the reason, it doesn't hurt to try glucosamine as you begin developing your pain management regimen. There are several other natural, food-based supplements which are purported to relieve arthritis pain. While these have been received with mixed reviews, incorporating foods such as turmeric and ginger into the diet may have a favorable impact. As foods are easier for the body to process than pills there is a higher likelihood that the healing compounds will actually be absorbed, rather than passed through the body as waste.
Vitamin D is also a consideration for those suffering from arthritis pain, but it is important to discuss the proper dosage as well as the right time to take vitamin D. One good strategy to assist the body with absorption is to take a vitamin D supplement along with a fatty food like eggs, avocadoes, or almonds. These good fats have the added benefit of contributing toward your overall wellness. Acupuncture is a final consideration for pain management. The Eastern practice of applying needles to the site of bodily pain is gaining popularity in the West. Acupuncture triggers the brain and nervous system to release its natural calming and painkilling compounds to naturally heal the body.
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