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
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Dogswell Happy Hips for Dogs … |
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Zuke’s Hip Action Natural Dog Treats Is your dog slow to get up? Does a long walk lead to limping or stiffness? Zuke’s Hip Action treats are a fun way to decrease joint pain and increase mobility. Hip Action also can help to prevent future problems in younger dogs. Every delicious bite contains 300 mg. glucosamine and 250 mg. chondroitin, plus cofactor vitamins, minerals and amino acids to aid in metabolism…. |
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Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews for Dogs under 60 Lbs. – 84 Chews $45.00 Dasuquin Soft Chews For Dogs is a nutritional supplement for maintaining healthy joints that goes above and beyond other supplements with glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate. It is considered the “next generation Cosequin.”… |
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Cosequin DS (Double Strength) 120 CAPSULES $39.99 Cosequin DS Capsules (132 ct) for Dogs, is a nutritional supplement that helps dogs maintain healthy joints. It has been rated the number one veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand. Cosequin’s active ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin, and it can have a positive impact on joint health, while avoiding the side effects that can sometimes accompany prescription drugs. Adm… |
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Atrium – SUPER-FLEX 180 caps $56.00 Atrium – SUPER-FLEX 180 caps… |
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Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Glucosamine HCI 1500mg, With MSM 1500 mg, 375-Count Tablets $14.19 Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Glucosamine & MSM, 375 Tablets… |
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Kirkland Signature Glucosamine HCI 1500mg Chondroitin Sulfate 1200mg 220 Tablets / New Increased Count $24.39 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 |
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Doctors Best Glucosamine Chondroitin OptiMSM Science-Based Nutrition™Dietary SupplementMaintains Healthy Joints & Connective Tissue*Benefits Hair, Skin and Nails*Contains sodium-free potassium stabilized glucosamine sulfate, bovine chondroitin sulfate plus pure MSM (Lingnisul™ MSM).The amount of chondoitin sulfate is verified by CPC Titration testing, using the USP Test Method and USP Reference Material (dried).Contains nothing oth… |
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Now Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM, 180 Caps $20.61 Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM by Now Foods…. |
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GPC Glucosamine C.S. – 2.5 pounds $39.95 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…. |
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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. |
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Natrol Glucosamine 500 mg Chondroitin 400 mg MSM 83 mg (150 Count) $18.13 Natrol glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM promotes optimal joint flexibilitySupplement helps rebuild cartilage tissueJoint support is ideal for optimal mobility and comfort |
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Zuke Dog Hip Action Peanut Butter 16 oz $18.96 Zuke offers healthy dog treats with glucosamine & chondroitin that contain essential cofactor vitamins and minerals that aid in absorption |
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Joint Max Triple Strength Pet 120-ct Supplements $42.99 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. |
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Joint Max Triple Strength 960-gm Granules for Dogs (Pack of 3) $109.99 Joint MAX TS Granules is a powerful glucosamine chondroitin MSM creatine antioxidant, vitamin and Mineral supplement for dogs. EPA and DHA have been added for improved skin and joint health. |