Osteoarthritis is a more common form of arthritis. Terms often confused with each other. The osteoarthritis is much more common among older people because of the natural aging of cartilage.
Osteoarthritis almost always affects the cartilages, the tissue that covers the bones where the joint is. When the cartilage is in good health the bones flow over each other naturally, without problems. When the cartilage lining wears out or breaks, that’s when you get arthrosis. The bone surfaces remain more or less uncovered and cause a series of symptoms, such as swelling and pain, which we will soon see.
Osteoarthritis can have a rapid course but, in most cases, it is gradual. It can be more or less mild and there are various cases that interfere very marginally in a person’s life. Other times it can lead to very serious disabilities.
The symptoms of arthrosis vary greatly depending on the type of cartilage affected and at what stage of the disease the person is. In the early stages the joints hurt especially after physical activity. Man rigidity starts in the morning or after having been in the same position for a long time.
The osteoarthritis of the hands is manifested by stiffness, swelling and pain. It becomes difficult over time to hold objects and do perfectly ordinary actions. Osteoarthritis of the knees which, like that of the hands, is one of the most common, causes similar symptoms which then lead to a more or less accentuated difficulty of walking, climbing, getting into a car etc. It can come to be so serious as to cause disability. That of the hips causes local pain and stiffness but can also affect groin, buttocks, inner thighs and knees pain. It can limit movement, such as the ability to bend.
The arthritis can also affect the spine. This is called cervical osteoarthritis. The symptoms are stiffness and pain in the neck and lower back. It can compress the nerves, causing numbness and tingling of the arms and legs. This form of osteoarthritis can also modify bowel and bladder functions.
The joints affected by osteoarthritis may deform over time and bone spurs begin to appear. They are bits of cartilage or bone that can break down in the joint space if they break, causing further pain and consequences.
Causes of osteoarthritis
The specific cause is not known. Experts believe there are more reasons why they appear and, the greater their number, the more serious the disease may be. Rather we say that there are a number of risk factors.
The first is age. Osteoarthritis, however, can also appear when young, usually due to joint trauma or even a genetic defect. However, before the age of 45 it is more common in men. Exceeded this age is more frequent in women. Another risk is overweight but also heredity.
Natural remedies for osteoarthritis
In case of osteoarthritis, it is very important to evaluate with the doctor what are the most suitable treatments. He will then direct the patient towards suitable solutions for the specific case. Clearly, the doctor is the reference figure precisely to get the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
The purpose of the remedies is to control pain and improve joint movements. This is surrounded by a good body weight, a healthy lifestyle and good physical activity. Physicians themselves often refer to non-pharmacological pain-reducing techniques, although these may be necessary in many cases. Sometimes the only solution is surgery.
1. Physical activity
The natural remedy for everyone is physical activity. It allows you to reduce pain, be more flexible, maintain good circulation and at the same time keep your weight under control. Depending on the joints that hurt, the doctor can direct you to some specific exercises. Often the expert suggests physical activities like walking, swimming or doing simple aerobic exercises.
2. Natural remedies
There are various useful natural remedies for pain relief. The most common is to make hot or cold compresses, but also combined. The heat increases blood flow and reduces stiffness and pain. Cold reduces inflammation and can relieve pain and sensitivity in the swollen area. The choice varies depending on how the disease has affected the person.
The massage can be particularly useful, such as circulators. However, our advice is to contact a person who is an expert in joint massages and who knows the disease because he will also have to work in the right way on the painful parts. The acupuncture similarly can be really helpful. Some say they have seen improvements. Once again, it is necessary to turn to a specialized person; many doctors have followed this type of specialized path. Its operation appears to be based on the fact that needles stimulate the body to release analgesic chemicals.
Some natural remedies are also found in the phytotherapeutic field. One of this is obtained from the roots of the Rhubarb, this substance is called diacerina. Fluid extracts of nettle leaves or currant leaves may be useful for joint pain, which are useful for reducing inflammation.
Against physical rigidity and pain some holistic therapists recommend Rock Water and Oak. Although Bach flowers do not work on physical problems, they can help the person to be more aware of the problem and act in a targeted manner without neglecting it.
3. Nutrition for osteoarthritis
Some anti-inflammatory foods can help. Among these we find …
Legumes in general
Eggs and fish
Whole grains
Sea fish
The various lean dairy products, such as lean natural yogurt
Seasonal fruit and vegetables. Especially useful are artichokes, leeks, cucumbers, cabbage, cherry, thyme, lemon, strawberry, grapefruit, apple, dried figs, and grapes.
Hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts
Soy and its derivatives
Among the products to be avoided, instead, refined grains, alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea, sugar, cream, cured meats, beef, too fat poultry, sausages and margarine.
