Arthritis: What It Is And How You Cope With It
Arthritis is a debilitating disease of the joints that drives into early retirement employee who is afflicted by it. Even life without work makes it difficult to lead a normal life. More than 46 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from it. Just imagine how many people are forced to take on sedentary lifestyles because of the excruciating pain arthritis brings.
To cope better with arthritis, it’s important that one knows what it is. Arthritis is actually a collection of joint diseases, the number of which amounting to more than 100 types. Causative factors and indicating signs are the basis for classifications. Although there are several different forms, it is said that there are two that are the most prevalent of all.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the wearing and tearing of the cartilage in the joints. It’s the most common form of the disease worldwide. OA can be the result of aging, obesity and earlier being involved in strenuous activities like sports. Weight bearing joints are usually the sites attacked by OA. These include the feet, knees, hips and back. Joints that are usually overused may also suffer from it, like the elbows, shoulders and others.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. This means that your own body is responsible for the joint disease. Your immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks you joints. This chronic and painful inflammatory disease can affect people at any age, even those in their early 20′s. Also, RA affects both sides of the body in a symmetrical fashion. For example, if the fingers on your right hand got RA, those on your left hand also suffers from it.
Doctors prescribe analgesic to help with alleviating the pain. Persons suffering from arthritis usually take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But with inflammation involved, NSAIDs or Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed. Steroids are also being used for swelling. However, oral intake is accompanied by some side effects, especially in long-term use. Steroids directly injected into the joint help minimize side effects.
Gentle exercise can help improve the mobility of the joints. However, during flare ups, this may not be possible at all. For instance, if you have leg arthritis, walking may help prevent stiffness, but not when it’s around accompanied by pain. During such time, mobility is greatly reduced.
There are also natural means of coping with the signs and symptoms of arthritis. Some people who aren’t satisfied with the results of prescribed medications resort to such alternatives. Many swear by the alkaline diet – a diet composed of mainly fruits and vegetables. This diet is great for offsetting excessive acidity in the body, which is linked to arthritis. Also, there are supplements like fish oils, vegetarian glucosamine and chondroitin that help repair worn cartilages and lubricate the joints.
JointCare – Glucosamine Chondroitin
|
|
Doctor’s Best Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM, Capsules, 240-Count $20.00 Contains sodium-free potassium stabilized glucosamine sulfate, bovine chondroitin sulfate and pure MSM. (OptiMSM)…. |
|
|
Kirkland Signature Glucosamine HCI 1500mg Chondroitin Sulfate 1200mg 220 Tablets / New Increased Count $18.30 Two Tablets Per Day Deliver: Glucosamine HCI 1500 mg Chondroitin Sulfate 1200 mg Nourishes Joint and Connective Tissue? Suports Joint Cushioning? Clinically Proven Effective?? No Gluten |
|
|
NOW Foods Glucosamine 1.1g, Chondroitin 1.2g, with MSM 300mg, 180 Capsules $19.99 NOW® Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM combines three of the most popular and effective nutrients for supporting joint health in one dietary supplement. Our Glucosamine and Chondroitin are both 100% sulfate, the most studied form of these nutrients. In addition, we also include MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane), an organic form of sulfur found in all living organisms. Studies have shown that these nutrie… |
|
|
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Osteoarthritis (Postgradaute Medicine) $2.99 Abstract: Original Article Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med. 2006;354(8):795–808.PRACTICE PEARL This article demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate used in combination in the management of osteoarthritis.Original Publicati… |
|
|
Glucosamine-chondroitin cream eases knee pain. (Topical Agent Compared With Placebo).: An article from: Internal Medicine News $5.95 This digital document is an article from Internal Medicine News, published by International Medical News Group on March 15, 2003. The length of the article is 578 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.Citation … |
|
|
Glucosamine:Does it Work? (Supplements: Reviewing the Evidence) Can glucosamine help you manage your joint pain? Or is it a waste of money? How much should you take? This short and simple book reviews the scientific literature to find out…. |
|
|
GPC Glucosamine C.S. – 2.5 pounds $36.95 A supplemental source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for use in the daily feed ration of small animals. Directions: For dogs & cats feed 1 heaping scoop daily for each 25 pounds of body weight. Store in a cool dry place. 100% Guaranteed…. |
|
|
… |
|
|
… |
|
|
Brand New DOGSWELL – HAPPY HIPS DOG TREAT DUCK (32 OZ) DOG PRODUCTS – DOG TREATS – JERKY & STICKS $31.19 Brand New DOGSWELL – HAPPY HIPS DOG TREAT DUCK (32 OZ) “DOG PRODUCTS – DOG TREATS – JERKY & STICKS” DOGSWELL produces premium, functional jerky treats with baked in vitamins and supplements for dogs. New HAPPY HIPS Duck Breast Jerky is made with all-natural duck breast and fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints. Duck is a premium, delicious meat especially good for… |
|
|
Zuke Dog Hip Action Beef 16 oz $18.96 Zuke’s offers a healhty dog treats with glucosamine & chondroitin that contains essential cofactor vitamins and minerals that aid in absorption. |
|
|
Six-ounce Zuke’s Hip Action Healthy Peanut Butter Dog Treats $18.96 Zuke offers healthy dog treats with glucosamine & chondroitin that contain essential cofactor vitamins and minerals that aid in absorption |
|
|
Joint Max Triple Strength Soft Chews (Pack of 3) $129.99 Joint MAX TS Soft Chews is a powerful glucosamine chondroitin MSM creatine. This product contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with added EPA and DHA for improved skin and joint health. |
|
|
Natrol Glucosamine 500 mg Chondroitin 400 mg MSM 83 mg (150 Count) $22.64 Your husband will no longer use his aching knees as an excuse to avoid yoga when you get him this glucosamine joint supplement from Natrol. With glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, these tablets help to promote joint flexibility and rebuild cartilage. |
|
|
Joint Max Triple Strength Pet 120-ct Supplement Chewable Tablets $41.99 Joint MAX triple strength chewable tablets are the newest generation of joint supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, EPA, DHA, creatine, zinc, manganese, vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine all in one tasty chewable tablet. |