Osteoarthritis is the commonest cause of joint pain. It effects mainly the larger joints – knees, hips, elbows and shoulder joints. It is due to wear and tear on the cartilage lining the ends of the bones involved in the effected joint. In time, this ware and tare can lead to a stripping away of the cartilaginous lining altogether leaving to a ‘bone-on-bone’ situation within the joint. At this stage the disease is at its most painful and beyond repair without surgery.
Cause of Osteoarthritis
The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. There is a hereditary element to it – it tends to run in families. Also, a history of trauma can play a role. Thus, people who may have played a lot of contact sport in their youth, will have a greater chance of developing osteo later in life.
It is commoner in women than men and is weight related. The heavier you are the more prone to knee OA you are. Obviously, weight loss and exercise are important life style issues that may need to be addressed.
Treatments
There is no cure for osteoarthritis other than surgery – joint replacement. It can however be controlled and managed. Prescription medications have a role. Chief among these are the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAI’S) like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Voltarol. These generally work very well, at least for a while. However, if taken in a high enough dose and over a long enough period, they will cause problems. They will mainly be chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcers.
Recommendations – When Your Writing needs a Doctor’s Opinion – An Observation by Dr. Andrew RynneNatural Remedies Suggested by Dr. Andrew Rynne
There are a number of useful natural substances that are well worth trying. You can use these safe in the knowledge that they are very unlikely to have side effects and are well tolerated. Here are some:
- Cod liver oil – Omega 3. It is cheap and safe though, in my experience, needs to be taken in high dosage and over a long period of time to have any noticeable effects.
- Glucosamine – This is useful for cartilage regeneration and, in that way, may relieve pain in the long run. It needs to be taken over a long period of time as a preventative rather than a cure.
- Turmeric – This is a root spice not unlike ginger. It is used extensively in curries. It is taken as a golden coloured powder in capsule form. In my experience it is effective but needs to be taken in doses above the “recommended dose.” In 500 mg capsules, I would recommend 2 of these twice a day or a gram a day.
Read More Health Recommendation from Dr. Andrew Rynne Dr Andrew Rynne offers medical writing services, which include editing, proofreading, copywriting, ghost-writing, reviews and suggestions and many more.
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