The word “arthritis” itself simply means “inflammation” and it can encompass over 100 different types, from fibromyalgia and systemic lupus erythematosus, to rheumatoid arthritis and the most common type, which is osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease is caused by a breakdown of joint cartilage and can affect the knees, shoulders, hips, spine, elbows, neck, feet or hands. Typically, your cartilage absorbs the shock of daily motion, but in osteoarthritis patients, their cartilage loses its elasticity and becomes stiff, decreasing its effectiveness. Over time, if you don’t take an active role in beating the disease, then your tendons, ligaments and bones could deteriorate too.

Some people feel uncomfortable with taking medicine and have always disliked even taking Tylenol for a headache. There are some alternative treatments for osteoarthritis patients that are more natural for the body. Recent medical research indicates that natural supplements, like glucosamine and chondroitin, may offer pain relief and help stimulate the body to rebuild some cartilage, particularly for knee arthritis sufferers. Some people also use methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) for arthritis but the jury is still out as to their effectiveness. Acupuncture and bioelectric therapy have also been used to calm nerves and release a relieving flow of natural endorphins. Supportive devices like canes, crutches or braces can remove some of the pressure as well.

It can be disappointing to learn that your weight has caused osteoarthritis and that you now need to lose some weight to take the burden off your joints, even though you’re suffering pain in your knees, hips, spine or shoulders. Despite how mentally difficult it may be to get started, your body will begin to feel a bit better as you exercise. Mentally, you will feel better about yourself and more in control. Little by little, you will find that you have increased mobility and more ease at doing day-to-day activities.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, June 29th, 2008 at 4:39 pm and is filed under Health & Beauty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.