OSTEOARTHRITIS: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Jan
28
2011

Posted by: admin in Categories: Arthritis.

For many years, osteoarthritis has been called the “arthritis of wear and tear”. This view has come to be challenged and now osteoarthritis is better known as a disorder of cartilage repair. Furthermore, the predisposition to osteoarthritis seems to run in families. As a result, medical scientists have begun to search for a genetic predisposition to this common disabling condition.
Osteoarthritis begins to cause pain and disability when the cartilage lining a joint cavity wears through and fails to repair. Cartilage acts as the joints Teflon lining. In association with joint fluid, cartilage produces 200 times less friction than ice sliding on ice. When the cartilage is gone – bone rubs on bone. This action is like the broken end of two dry twigs being rubbed determinedly together. It is no wonder people with osteoarthritis suffer from incapacitating pain.
Arthritis tablets Ike Aspirin (NSAIDS) have a controversial role to play in the treatment and progression of osteoarthritis. These drugs suppress the action of prostaglandins which mediate the production of stiffness, swelling and pain. They do nothing to correct the underlying disorder of cartilage which lies at the heart of the osteoarthritis conundrum
The manufactures of Feldene, a long acting NSAID, are quick to point out that the products of many other drug companies actually accelerate the process of cartilage decay.
In the final analysis, it doesn’t matter which drug is used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. The condition gets worse whenever weight bearing activity continues. The more medication denies a joint the protection of painful stimuli; the sooner the damage gets worse.
Given the further propensity of NSAIDS to cause peptic ulceration and bleeding, people are advised to avoid this group of drugs whenever it becomes humanly possible. Some arthritics are so handicapped by swelling and pain that they have little choice. They take their chances with bleeding and the NSAIDS; rather than suffer the pain.

Home Remedies
In spite of the fact that continued usage accelerates the destruction of an osteoarthritic joint; immobilization is not the answer. Without mobilization, an arthritic joint rapidly loses its function. Arthritis Foundations in all states provide a wealth of advice and treatment aids that cannot be surpassed by your local medical practitioner. Get in touch with your local branch at the earliest opportunity. There is something very relaxing and relieving about emersing painful joints in warm water. The reduction of weight bearing and exercises in warm water has allowed hydrotherapy to stand the test of time. Don’t forget the services of your friendly physiotherapist. They too have more to offer than the pernicious pills, potions and poisons of your prescribing medical practitioner.