If you find yourself complaining more and more about joint pain and stiffness, you’re not alone. 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 precise reason for osteoarthritis is still unknown. This arthritis appears to be associated to wear and tear on the joints over time; however, not just wear and tear cause osteoarthritis. For a number of people, it may run in the family. Other risk factors consist of joint injury, obesity, prolonged occupational or sports stress and history of extended immobilization.

When a joint is affected by osteoarthritis, the cartilage which surrounds the 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 joint swelling, pain, 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 significant parts of reaching these goals. Education, medication, rehabilitation, exercise, alternative medicine and surgery are all options for treatment. A combination of these options are better than just one.

Losing weight for those who are over weight can help those suffering from osteoarthritis to keep active.

Tips for staying active

• Lose weight if you’re overweight
• 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 essential to preserve 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 non-steroidal 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 manage pain.

Recent university studies on cetylated fatty acids (CFAs) have revealed them to be successful 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 essential when building a victorious 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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Lisa_Hill

All of us should be concerned with our bone density. As you age strong bones will make your life healthier and disease free. Like the common phrase “you are what you eat” will determine the health you have. It is therefore necessary to have good eating habits for good health and prevent osteoporosis.

Below is a list of good eating habits that will help you preserve or improve your bone density.

* Eat less fat
* Eat more fiber
* Eat more calcium rich foods
* Use less salt and sugar

Eat less fat to prevent osteoporosis

According to studies it has been determined that when you have high cholesterol you will have fewer cells that build bones. The building of your bones is a constant process of bone breakdown and bone build up. By having more bone breakdown activity compared to bone build up, you will end up with lower bone density.

Eating too much saturated fat will lead to higher cholesterol levels. So to improve your bone regeneration you should consider eliminating or reducing this saturated fat contained in foods.

Eat less meat and look for more lean meats. Turkey has less saturated fat than chicken or beef.

Eat less dairy products such as milk and cheese. These products are high in saturated fat.

Eat more oils that contain omega-3 (fish oil), omega-6 (olive oil) and omega-9 (found in avocados.) Do not cook with these oils since they breakdown at high temperatures creating high levels of free radicals. Cook with coconut oil. This oil does not breakdown at high temperatures. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat but it is a short chain fatty acid, which is good for your health. However butter has saturated fats that contains a long chain fatty acid, however when used excessively in foods this could also be bad for your health

Eat more fiber to prevent osteoporosis

Again by lowering cholesterol, you can improve the density of your bones. By eating more fiber this can lower your cholesterol. The best fibers to eat include bran, fruits and vegetables – oat bran, rice bran citrus fruits, apples, figs, beans, strawberries, etc.

Eat more calcium rich foods to prevent osteoporosis

Eat those foods that are rich in calcium such as tofu, boiled collards, spinach, yogurt, fig, cottage cheese, broccoli, or boiled kale and all dark green vegetables.

Most people need to get at least 1000 mg of calcium every day. Where some people need more. To get this amount of calcium, you should take a daily supplement and eat those foods that are rich in calcium such as tofu, boiled collards, spinach, yogurt, fig, cottage cheese, broccoli, or boiled kale and all dark green vegetables.

Eat less salt to prevent osteoporosis

Eat less salt since salt and calcium compete to get absorbed in the small intestine. If you eat too much salt, calcium will not get absorbed and will be flushed into the colon and out your body. When salt gets into your blood, it attracts water. This causes your kidney to flush this excess water out as urine. When you urinate more than normal, you will be flushing out calcium and minerals that your body needs.

So in summary eat less saturated fat, eat more fiber, eat less salt, take a good calcium supplement, and eat more calcium rich food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Silva