[ad_1]
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the most common among the various kinds of arthritis. The first sign of morning stiffness and cracking joints followed by more discomfort, pain and disability exemplifies the degenerative aging process associated with joint and cartilage deterioration.
Osteoarthritis is believed to be a degenerative disease that develops as a result of wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint. It is thought to be due to increased mucopolysaccharide in articular cartilage and diminished hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid, which develops with increasing age. It normally affects persons above 50 years of age. The main symptom is pain, which usually begins early in the morning when the patient gets up from bed. Continuous use of the lower limb eases the stiffness and pain due to increased synovial secretion. Obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis by putting undue stress on the joints especially the knees and hips. Radiological investigations show reduction of joint spaces at pressure areas and presence of osteophytes.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system turns on itself and starts affecting the joints. It usually affects people between the ages of 30-55 years. Women are three times more likely to be affected than men. The disease is gradual in onset and affects the joints of the fingers and feet. Pain is the main symptom followed by stiffness, swelling and deformity. Occasionally this condition is associated with fever and weight loss. Movements are mainly restricted because of pain and spasm. This condition lasts for many years with alternating attacks and remissions.
Regular exercise like walking, cycling or swimming play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of all forms of arthritis and can help to reduce the joint pain. Yoga can also be done for movement and posture. Fish oil has been beneficial for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and cod etc have omega 3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints. Person suffering can eat fresh oily fish three times a week or substitute it by taking fish oils available in the form of capsules. Vegetarians can eat plenty of Soya beans and tofu in their diet. Evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties, hence beneficial.
Anti-inflammatory drugs can alleviate the pain to some extent. Various medications like Synotrex, Etoricoxib, Rofecoxib can be taken to relieve joint pain. Nowadays ayurvedic therapy is followed where oil massage is done to the joints, which relieves pain. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy of suitable type helps in reducing pain and preserves the mobility of the joints. Some painful joint disorders need localized injections of steroids also. Person suffering from arthritis should have fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamin C and beta-carotene, nuts, avocados for vitamin E and whole grains, cereals and eggs for selenium. For more information about preventing arthritic joint pain, please visit http://www.synotrex.com
