Moving with Arthritis

Keep on keeping on. The movement through the pain is both physical and mental strength. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. OA normally has a slow and gradual onset, beginning in a person’s mid-50. Key phrase in that last sentence is normally, but what happens when the injuries of youth show themselves? The pain in the knee from recreation football, rugby, and the slides into second base that was jarring?nnGenerally, OA begins with morning stiffness in a few weight- bearing joints, especially the knees and hips. Over time, the malady compromises joint function, resulting in tenderness, swelling and loss of range.nnThe debilitating changes in the joints differ from natural aging, although they may share some of the same characteristics. In normal aging, the water content in the joint stays basically the same. With OA, the joint’s water content first increases and then decreases, along the viscosity within the joint. This loss of viscosity decreases the joint’s ability to absorb shock.nnMy question is if it is just lubricant, why can’t a non steroidal compound be injected into the area? My knees and my shoulder are so painful at times and I don’t want to be a sixty two year old junkie. What to do when you have to let you leg hang over the bed to stretch the calf muscle that is shrinking, or the pain in the shoulder that wakes you up? nnThe knee pain is from surgery in the 1970’s; the ligaments were torn and the cartilage was removed. The second surgery was on the same knee due to another hit to the knee.nThe cartilage grew back, it was removed again and more corrective surgery done to the knee a second time.nnI am holding out hope for nanotechnology, they are making tremendous strides with the new capabilities in bio medicine, energy and computers. With the use of nano, maybe there can be an insert or lubricant for the joints without having to inject a steroid.nnPhysicians don’t have a single therapy to treat osteoarthritic joints because there are no tried-and true medical therapies for OA. Still, physical therapy, home exercise programs, cognitive behavioral therapy and anti-inflammatory diets have been useful in treating symptoms. nnPeople with OA who remain active do better then inactive people. Mild to moderate mechanical loading is necessary to maintain function. Exercising with certain equipment, such as treadmill, elliptical trainer or the recumbent bike is movement without impact. If OA is severe, the pool offers a great way to get exercise.nnMost alternative treatments for knee pain aim at reducing inflammation, stiffness and swelling. Several herbal remedies are recommended to relieve knee pain; some remedies are used externally, while others involve internal use of herbs. Acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, hydro therapy, massage therapy are used in easing the discomfort of arthritic pain. The combination of the above mentioned methods have been useful in the physical and mental relief of the pain of OA. The key is to strengthening leg muscles to prevent knee pain from overworking the joint. The strong knee may prevent injury to the joint.