Osteoarthritis: What Is It & How Is It Treated?

What Is Osteoarthritis?  

As the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects millions of people. Osteoarthritis refers to a condition where the protective cartilage between your bones faces wear and tear. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it is most commonly found in your hands, knees, spine, and hips.

While osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, it is a condition that can be managed through several various forms of treatment and lifestyle changes that we will look at. For example, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. 

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis? 

There are several signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis; they typically develop slowly and worse with time. Some of these symptoms are: 

• Stiffness of the joints which is most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity. 
• Pain in the affected joints during or after movement. 
• Loss of flexibility and a reduced range of motion. 
• Swelling, which may be caused by inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the joint. 
• Tenderness in the joints when pressure is applied. 
• A grating sensation experienced when the joint is in use. Additionally, you might experience a popping or crackling. 
• The formation of bone spurs, which feel like hard lumps, around the affected joint. 

What Are the Causes & Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis? 

As mentioned, osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the soft cartilage found at the ends of your bones in between joints. As the cartilage wears down, bone will rub against bone, which can cause pain and discomfort. 

Risk factors for osteoarthritis include old age, obesity, repeated stress on the joints, and joint injuries. This is why it is increasingly important to look after your joint health as you age or if you are a risk of putting your joints through frequent stress. 

What Are the Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis? 

Now that we understand what causes osteoarthritis, we can begin to look at treatment and management types. Many who are afflicted by osteoarthritis turn to medications such as steroid injections or forms of therapy to help manage the condition. However, these end up being a lifelong prescription, meaning that you may become reliant on these medications to help manage osteoarthritis pain. 

Additionally, your doctor may recommend that you make changes to your lifestyle if they suspect that factors such as obesity contribute to your diagnosis. Aside from steroid injections, therapy, and lifestyle changes, there are also surgical procedures that your doctor may suggest should medication fail to ease your condition. 

What Types of Lifestyle Changes Can Be Made to Manage Osteoarthritis?

Looking at the risk factors and causes of osteoarthritis, we understand that factors such as one’s job and weight have an impact on your joint health. Therefore, we know that to reduce these risk factors, a healthy and balanced lifestyle is imperative. Aside from reducing the stress put on your joints, giving your joints some extra TLC goes a long way towards keeping the pains of osteoarthritis at bay. 

You can look towards joint supplements to keep your cartilage thick and healthy. A natural health supplement, such as Cynovial, is recommended by orthopaedic surgeons and sold in various orthopaedic clinics. The benefits of a health supplement like Cynovial include the fact that it is made from all-natural ingredients that promote healthy joints while helping relieve joint pain. 

With ingredients such as undenatured type II collagen, turmeric, and ginger, Cynovial naturally promotes healthy joints by reducing inflammation and restoring mobility.