osteoarthritis

The osteoarthritis is a pathological, degenerative and non-inflammatory alteration of the joints. When the deformations it produces are very evident, we speak of deforming osteoarthritis.

The wear of the cartilage it is the cause of osteoarthritis. When this fabric that protects the ends of the bones and facilitates the movement of the joint wears out, osteoarthritis begins to develop, which especially affects older people.

In the women, osteoarthritis usually appears in the hands and knees, while in the mens the most common osteoarthritis occurs in the hip. In addition to age, other factors that affect the appearance of osteoarthritis are the obesity and the type of occupation.

Typically, osteoarthritis develops gradually. At first you suffer pain in the joints after playing sports or doing physical exercises and, over time, this pain becomes more common.

Osteoarthritis can not only cause swelling and pain, but also lead to the growth of spurs in the joint and the breakage of bones and cartilage.

The doctors they argue that it is impossible to stop or cure osteoarthritis. The treatments, therefore, aim to relieve pain and minimize the discomfort caused by the pathology through the provision of analgesics and anti-inflammatories, or by indicating the use of knee pads, canes and other items.

The medicinesHowever, they cannot be given in large doses since, when ingested frequently, they can cause damage to the digestive system or worsen existing symptoms.

Tips for living with osteoarthritis

Although there is no way to definitively combat osteoarthritis, it is possible to use a series of tips and recommendations to minimize pain. In the first place, it is very important to stay in shape, so as not to demand more from the joints than they are prepared to withstand (this is especially necessary when the discomfort is focused on the hips, the spine or knees).

On the other hand, it is highly recommended to perform exercise aerobic frequently to promote better joint performance and prevent affected muscles from atrophying due to lack of activity; It can be walks, swimming or home routines, among other possibilities, as long as they are not done in excess and that the breaks are respected.

When osteoarthritis attacks the joints of the hands, doctors usually advise reducing the time spent in manual activities as much as possible, since the constant repetition of a movement it is detrimental to this condition. Some splints (flexible splints generally used to treat fractures) help relieve the weight that the joints must bear, although they must also be supplemented with certain exercises that promote mobility and strengthen muscles.

Hot baths are especially beneficial in the morning, as the inactivity of sleeping at night numbs the joints and accentuates pain. The application of hot in the areas affected by osteoarthritis it is also useful to promote relaxation and, like the cold, helps to tone the muscles. Low temperatures, on the other hand, are more useful to reduce inflammation.

The supplements Nutrients such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, which are available in pharmacies, delay the onset of osteoarthritis, although their use must be prescribed by a doctor, since it is not convenient in all cases.

Last but not least, avoid lifting excessive weights whenever possible, standing for long periods of time, and walking on uneven floors. In addition, the quality of the footwear is essential to improve the position.