|
Knowledge gives a person many options for managing osteoarthritis and
they can then personally take charge of the effect this disease is having on their life. |
| Return to Main Osteoarthritis Page | |
Nutrient |
Product Suggestion |
Vitamins:
|
OA-Kit —$10 Savings—
|
Nutrient Cofactors:
|
- WATCH YOUR DIET: Avoid simple, processed, concentrated carbohydrates and limit fat intake to a minimum. Instead concentrate on getting plenty of complex carbohydrates and fibers in your diet.
SUPPLEMENT WITH AMINO ACIDS: Taking a free-form amino acid complex on a regular basis may help repair damaged tissue.
- ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF FOOD ALLERGIES: Allergies to a certain food may be responsible for some neck and shoulder pains.
Lifestyle Changes
- MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Excess weight puts increased stress on your joints and may contribute to osteoporosis.
-
EXERCISE: Exercise can help you maintain your ideal weight (see above) as well as strengthen muscles and increase joint mobility. Avoid weight-bearing or impact exercises. Bicycle-riding, walking, and water exercises are good exercise choices for the osteoarthritis sufferer.
- TRY HOT AND/OR COLD TREATMENTS FOR PAIN: Alternate between placing cold gel packs and applying heat to inflamed joints. Hot tubs and baths can also provide pain relief. A hot shower or bath is especially helpful in the morning to relieve morning stiffness.
- GET OUT AND ENJOY THE FRESH AIR: Spend time outside in the fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight prompts vitamin D synthesis, and vitamin D plays an important role in bone formation.
Medical Options and Precautions
- DRUGS: Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. These drugs may gastrointestinal upset, ulcer formation, headaches, dizziness, etc. and may even cause further degeneration of the joint cartilage. Sometimes an injection of a corticosteroid drug is used to treat osteoarthritis.
- SURGERY: Sometimes anthroplasty or joint replacement is used to replace the diseased joint. Arthrodesis or immobilization of a joint may also be used.
SUPPLEMENT WITH AMINO ACIDS: Taking a free-form amino acid complex on a regular basis may help repair damaged tissue.
EXERCISE: Exercise can help you maintain your ideal weight (see above) as well as strengthen muscles and increase joint mobility. Avoid weight-bearing or impact exercises. Bicycle-riding, walking, and water exercises are good exercise choices for the osteoarthritis sufferer.