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5 Things You Should Know About Osteoarthritis
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you are not
alone. In fact, you are among the 20 million, or so, people who
are citizens of the United States that are affected by this
condition. Whether you are male or female, you are more...more info on Arthritis
Arthritis Getting Your Official Diagnosis
Your joints feel stiff, and your muscles ache. You find yourself unable to do simple everyday tasks without a little discomfort. You suspect you have some form of arthritis, and maybe you're right. But to be absolutely certain, only your doctor or...more info on Arthritis
Natural Arthritis Medication to the Rescue!
Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen
No matter which type of arthritis you suffer from, be it
osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or any
one of the myriad forms of this disease, you need a safe and
effective treatment. Attention is...more info on Arthritis
Treating Arthritis – Naturally
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has...more info on Arthritis
Arthritis cure
10 Easy Tips For Arthritis Pain Relief
Arthritis Medications for Degenerative Arthritis
Glucosamine Chondroitin and Arthritis
Natural Arthritis Medication to the Rescue
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you'd like to help create a webpage that is unique to you. Copyright 2006 Kristy Haugen
Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a wear and tear
disease of the joints typically seen in the older adult (usually
over 60 years of age). Cartilage within the joints breaks down
causing pain as the bones rub against each other. Osteoarthritis
is commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.
Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the
knees and hips. These weight bearing joints carry much of the
weight causing increased wear and tear. Weight loss can
significantly reduce the chance of developing osteoarthritis and
can alleviate pain in people who currently have osteoarthritis.
Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no
medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease
process. Osteoarthritis treatment involves focusing on pain
relief, the maintenance of quality of life, and functional
independence. Let us take a look at some of the treatments that
currently exist for osteoarthritis.
Many doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial
analgesic (pain medication) of choice for the treatment of
osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen has very few side effects. When
using acetaminophen as a pain reliever, remember to follow the
directions correctly. Acetaminophen is commonly overused by
patients. You are recommended to not exceed 4,000 mg of
acetaminophen in a twenty-four hour period. Acetaminophen is
metabolized or processed by the liver. Excess acetaminophen can
cause damage to the liver. Acetaminophen is also found in other
pain medications such as Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol Cold.
In fact, acetaminophen is found in quite a few prescription pain
medications.
Traditionally NSAID's (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
have been useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis associated
pain. One major concern with the use of NSAID's is irritation to
the stomach lining. In more severe cases, gastrointestinal
bleeds or ulcers may form. NSAID's can affect the body's blood
clotting ability and interfere with kidney function. NSAID's
should always be taken with food to decrease stomach irritation
or upset. Do not drink alcohol while taking NSAID's. However,
these drugs should not be taken for extended periods of time
unless directed otherwise by a qualified medical provider. Some
common types of NSAID's are ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve),
and aspirin.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors) are a class of
NSAID's. COX-2 inhibitors suppress arthritis pain much the same
way but with less stomach irritation. Many of us know of COX-2
inhibitors but not by this name. Vioxx (refecoxib), Celebrex
(celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib) are COX-2 inhibitors. Vioxx
and Bextra have been removed from the market. These drugs can
significantly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack.
Celebrex remains on the market but does have a black box
warning
stipulating this drug also can increase the risk for
cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Capsaicin (Capsagel, Zostrix) which is derived from chili
peppers can be applied topically for the treatment of
osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin will cause vasodilation, itching,
and burning to the skin but after repeated applications
desensitization will occur, decreasing one's pain. Methyl
salicylate creams such as Ben-gay can also be used for
osteoarthritis pain. Studies have shown that oral glucosamine
and chondroitin supplements have a mild to moderate analgesic
effect with arthritis.
For osteoarthritis patients who cannot tolerate their pain,
glucocorticoid injections may be done. Glucocorticoids are
similar to the hormone cortisol in the body. Glucocorticoids
help alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation and swelling
within the joint. Side effects are typically seen if you receive
these injections too frequently.
Hyaluronan (viscosupplementation) injections can be injected
directly into the joint for treatment of osteoarthritis. This
medication helps supplement the synovial fluid. The synovial
fluid is a lubricating fluid allowing the bones to move smoothly
within the joint. This injection should relieve pain and improve
your mobility of the joint. This treatment involves 3-5 shots
within 5 weeks. You may experience pain and swelling after the
injections but this should dissipate. Reduced osteoarthritis
pain may last up to 6 months.
For patients that have decreased function and mobility of the
joint, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical
involvement should also be considered in patients whose pain has
progressed to unacceptable levels. However, good surgical
candidates are usually considered ideal for surgery. Certain
health conditions can affect post-operative rehabilitation and
healing. Surgery can hold just as much of a health risk as
medications have side effects.
Osteoarthritis is not curable but there is hope for the future
with advancements in medicine. Along with the above treatments
for pain management, it is also important to remain active and
healthy. Exercising regularly can help maintain mobility of the
joint. Exercise also creates natural pain relievers such as
endorphins. Pain may be a part of osteoarthritis, but pain
doesn't have to be a part of your life!
About the author:
Kristy Haugen is a mother working to finish her second bachelor
degree in Chemical Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical
Nurse with a current bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry.
She writes to inform consumers about nutrition and health
topics. Learn more about weight loss supplements at
http://weightlosssupplements.vitaminmaniac.com . Learn more
about vitamins and your health at http://blog.vitaminmaniac.com
.
Written by: Kristy Haugen
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