Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The word arthritis means joint inflammation (greek arthro-, joint & -itis, inflammation), and is generally used to describe most of the inflammatory diseases
that affect the spine, muscles, tendons and bones, including joints.
 Osteoarthritis is mostly age-related with almost every second person over 60 and almost everyone over the age of 80 experiencing some signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. It is caused by mechanical break down, wear and tear, of joint cartilage over many years of use or through particularly extensive use, leading to bones rubbing against each other. Along with the break down of the cartilage comes inflammation, in the bodies attempt to heal the injured tissue, and this leads to swelling, redning and pain in the joints. Pain and stiffness of the affected joints are the most common symptom of osteoarthritis.
Joints that have been injured or repeatedly injured through some sporting activity, for example, may show greater wear and tear and can cause arthritis symptoms in younger individuals.
Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and there is no cure. However,
osteoarthritis treatments can relieve pain and can help you remain active.
Taking steps to actively manage your osteoarthritis may help you gain
control over your osteoarthritis pain.
Alternative medicine
The long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers to control arthritis symptoms may be harmful to your health, and pharmaceutical drugs do not always help controlling symptoms appropriately. Many doctors and naturopathic health practitioners recommend nutritional approaches to help manage the joint problems.
ENZO Professional has been used by naturopathic practitioners to help many people with osteoarthritis, often in combination with other nutritional supplements including omega-3s, glucosamine formulations and/or green lipped mussel extract.
It is always the best idea to discuss treatment and lifestyle
approaches with your health practitioner to achieve the best results.
|
Knowledge Links:
Arthritis New Zealand
Arthritis Australia
Arthritis Foundation, US
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA
MedlinePlus:
Osteoarthritis
Mayo Clinc Lupus Info:
All about Osteoarthritis
|