Braving the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Through These Simple Tips

Jan 28
08:39

2013

Jessica Schurman

Jessica Schurman

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Nearly 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis, health department statistics say. Everyday is a constant battle for them to fight its symptoms. ...

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Nearly 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis,Braving the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Through These Simple Tips Articles health department statistics say. Everyday is a constant battle for them to fight its symptoms. Severe cases of it may lead one having to undergo a hip replacement surgery where it is tainted with bad status as complications appear to most of its recipients. Stryker hip device recall serves as evidence to this medical fiasco.

Common symptoms include:

Pain
Pain is the most common sign of osteoarthritis. In fact, it is the reason why people go to the doctor for osteoarthritis treatment. This is generally treated with medication. Choices range from over-the-counter painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
 
Stiffness
Stiffness is the second most common symptom of osteoarthritis that patients often experience. People find that the affected joints do not function as well, mostly after they have not moved them for a while.
Heat therapy is one choice, with applied heat helping muscles to relax and joints to loosen. Some patients said that a hot shower may work also to ease the pain.
 
Muscle Weakness
Avoiding using the joint because of too much pain, muscle weakness may follow. This will then become a cycle as muscle weakness causes the joint to have to tolerate up under body weight and become more injured and painful. Also do some light exercises may toughen the muscles surrounding an arthritic joint, providing it with more support.
 
Swelling
Swelling ensues as the muscles and tendons adjacent an arthritic joint become inflamed. This inflammation usually occurs after overusing the joint. You should try to rest it. Take all the pressure and weight off the swollen joint.  You may also apply cold packs or drink some medicines.
 
Reduced Range of Motion
This frequently occurs when the joint becomes so weakened that it may no longer be fully contracted or extended, leaving you unable to fully extend your arms or legs. Physical therapy may return some range of motion. A skilled physical therapist may give you exercises to improve the function of your affected joints.
 
Deformed Joints
Deformed joints develop as osteoarthritis advances. Bony spurs form at the site where bones are chafing together. This usually occurs in the fingers, but may affect other joints.
Surgery is considered a last-resort treatment for arthritis, but it is effective in modifying joint deformities. If your joint has endured too much damage, your doctor may suggest joint replacement.
 
Even though osteoarthritis is prevalent as we age, there are many treatments to help lessen the pain.

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