Osteoarthritis is a serious condition, contrary to what others believed. Many are suffering from it. In fact, it is expected that sometime in the year...
Osteoarthritis is a serious condition,
contrary to what others believed. Many are suffering from it. In fact, it is expected that sometime in the year 2030, the number of osteoarthritis patients will double, based on the OANation 2012 survey. Being able to keep its symptoms at bay would be a great help.
It is quite alarming knowing that people do not know much about it, and that the need for a hip replacement is inevitable with its complications also tagging along, just for instance what happened to Stryker hip replacement recall.
More than a few have experienced the complications that are somehow irreversible. It caused damage not only physically but emotionally as well. It is not that easy to deal with as it may also affect relationships with your loved ones.
To avoid this, here are some ways to help you delay or possibly prevent the progression of osteoarthritis:
Maintain an ideal body weight
This is usually the first thing an osteoarthritis patient might want to do. A person’s weight affects critically on the joints as it will put too much pressure on them especially to those who are considered obese. It is vital that one is conscious about his body weight. Clearly, being overweight is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis.
Diet
When one wants to lose weight, consequently diet should be monitored. There are foods that are believed to be of benefit to osteoarthritis. Some of these are:
· Garlic and onions – based on numerous studies, the compound found in garlic and onions hinder the enzymes that cause joints to degenerate.
· Omega-3 fatty acids –foods that are rich in omega-3s may reduce signs and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. There was strong indication that omega-3 influences the biochemistry of the disease, and as a result not only prevent the disease, but also slows its development.
· Fruits and vegetables –these are high in antioxidants which protect the body against infections and disease, and may also help reduce swelling related to osteoarthritis.
Move your body
Exercise is important as body joints need motion to stay healthy. Having a sedentary lifestyle will most likely cause the joint to stiffen and the adjacent tissue to waste away. Some exercises you may want to try are walking, yoga, and swimming. Avoid exercising aggressively though as you may injure a joint.
Respect pain
Whenever you feel the pain, it is a strong sign that you are overdoing it and that you may need to stop and rest for a while. Overusing is not advised as it will stress the joints. Balancing rest and activity is best for healthy joints.
Avoid repetitive motion
Repetitive motion is basically doing the same action over and over, as a result caused too much stress on the joint. This is commonly associated with your job or with daily routines at home. To avoid this, always have proper body mechanics and try to vary your movements.
