---

(view more articles)

Osteoarthritis: Living Active & Independent

If you find yourself complaining more and more about joint pain and stiffness, you’re not alone. You may be one of an estimated 40 million Americans suffering from osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis. If you haven’t felt the affects of arthritis yet, it may be just a matter of time since 70 to 90 percent of people over 75 suffer from this condition.

The exact cause for osteoarthritis is not known. This arthritis appears to be related to wear and tear on the joints over time; however, not just wear and tear cause osteoarthritis. For some people, it may run in the family. Other risk factors include obesity, joint injury, history of extended immobilization and prolonged occupational or sports stress.

When a joint is affected by osteoarthritis, the cartilage which covers bones making up the joint starts to break down This degeneration happens because the cartilage making cells stop functioning normally. Eventually, the cartilage may wear away completely so bone rubs on bone. Pieces of bone and cartilage may loosen and hinder joint movement, leading to pain, joint swelling, and stiffness.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis; however, several different options for treatment of symptoms do exist. The goals with treatment are to allow osteoarthritis sufferers to stay functional and have a good quality of life. Maintaining activity and controlling pain are important parts of reaching these goals. Education, medication, rehabilitation, exercise, alternative medicine and surgery are all options for treatment. Combinations of these options are better than just one.

Tips for staying active

• Lose weight if you’re overweight
• Exercise regularly for short periods
• Go to a physical therapist
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Avoid overusing your joints
• Take/Apply products to control pain as recommended

Staying active is important to maintain the muscles around the affected joints. Activity keeps these muscles strong and flexible so movement is easier.

Over the counter medications such as acetaminophen and medications that reduce inflammation (Ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen) may help control pain. Doctors commonly prescribe these nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with inflammation and pain. Use of these medications is sometimes limited by their side effects. Topical creams may also help control pain. Recent university studies on cetylated fatty acids (CFAs) have shown them to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in arthritic joints. Myo-Med contains these CFAs and other natural anti-inflammatory agents which can help arthritis sufferers to stay active. Heat and/or ice may help some people. Physical therapists can guide exercise management.

Education about osteoarthritis is necessary when building a successful treatment plan. Those who have arthritis play an important role in managing their disease in conjunction with their health care provider to ensure greatest quality of life.

Copyright © 2007 Lisa Hill, M.D., A Myo-Med Info Article. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place.

Back to top