Osteoarthritis, known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis that occurs more frequently as we age. In osteoarthritis there is inflammation in the joint caused by the breakdown of cartilage and the destruction or decrease of the fluid that lubricates the joints. Before treating arthritis it is important to understand about your joint.

Anatomy of a Joint:

Joints are the areas where two or more bones come together. Most joints are mobile allowing the bones to move. These joints are surrounded and enclosed by a fibrous tissue, called the capsule, which holds the bones together. The synovial membrane lines the capsule and secretes a clear, sticky fluid around the joint to lubricate it.  This fluid is known as the synovial fluid.  The ends of the bones which come into contact are always covered with cartilage; a connective tissue made up of cells and fibers and is wear-resistant.  The cartilage provides a smooth surface and is strong enough to bear the weight of the body.

Causes of Osteoarthritis:

As we age the water content in the synovial fluid and in the cartilage increases whereas the protein content decreases. Eventually, the cartilage thins and begins to break down by flaking or forming crevasses. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to inflammation of the cartilage, pain and limitations of your joint mobility.

Who is at risk?

• People with a family history of osteoarthritis.
• Aging does not cause arthritis but is a factor in developing the symptoms. Males under 45 more frequently have arthritis whereas it is more common in females over 55.
• Extra body weight is clearly associated with arthritis of the knee. Being overweight puts extra strain on your large bearing joints such as your hips, knees and the balls of your feet.
• Joint injury which may change your normal joint structure.
• Estrogen deficiency in women, particularly after menopause.
• People with a Vitamin D deficiency; vitamin D is important to keep the cartilage healthy.
• People with nerve damage, as seen with diabetics, or a vitamin B12 deficiency causing decreased sensations.
• Increased bone density results in bones that are less able to absorb impacts and to protect cartilage from trauma.

Treating Arthritis:

The first thing you should know about treating arthritis is that there is no substance that will completely cure your joint. When you visit your physician he will most likely give you an anti-inflammatory drug such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or another drug of the ansaid class of drugs. These will help relieve the pain and swelling but will not help repair or stop the progression of osteoarthritis in your joint.

There are natural ingredients that are a much better option for treating arthritis. These not only help stop the progression of the disease, but actually help repair and improve the condition of your joint.  These natural ingredients do not give you immediate pain relief, however, they help repair damaged cartilage and help maintain flexibility and joint health.
These natural ingredients consist of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Omega 3 Fatty acids, Boswellia Serrata, Vitamin C,E,A.

 See Lita’s article on Arthritis Prevention.

Tags: arthritis, Arthritis Prevention, Degenerative Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, inflammation, Joint Disease, osteoarthritis, Treating Arthritis