Osteoarthritis cases are increasing as baby boomers make their way to senior status. Osteoarthritis happens to almost everyone eventually. Dietary supplements and risks in treating osteoarthritis in adults over age 50 should be researched well before beginning any approach to disease management. As always, it is best to speak to your doctor about proper care in treating osteoarthritis.
What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the joints that typically occurs in adults over age 50. It is the No. 1 most prevalent type of arthritis. Over time, the cushioning in the joints wears down. This can happen to any joint, but common sites are hands, fingers, hips, knees, back, and neck. Because OA tends to get worse with time, proper disease management is crucial.
Traditional therapies offer relief and results. Your doctor is always the best resource for ways to treat osteoarthritis. He or she may recommend NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory devices) for pain and inflammation to quell further joint destruction. These medications have been shown to cause stomach upset in some cases, and all medications carry some risk, so careful management is crucial, especially in elderly populations.
A holistic approach is gaining popularity. People are increasingly looking for healthy or natural methods of disease management in attempts to minimize side effects of conventional medication. The Mayo Clinic reports that more doctors are becoming open to the idea of alternative medicine for treating osteoarthritis. Common alternatives include acupuncture, ginger, glucosamine and chondroitin, and even avocado-soybean unsaponifiables -- a type of oil derived from the avocado. While these supplements may make a difference, clinical trials with complementary therapies have been limited and inconclusive.
Tip the scales in your favor. Complementary medicine -- a combination of traditional and nontraditional care -- may be the best approach. Regular low impact exercise -- like tai chi and yoga, a good diet, maintaining a healthy weight, proper medical care and associated medication, as well as non-traditional supplements -- may prove to be a good, broad-range approach. By partnering with your doctor and personally taking steps to actively manage your own health, you gain a sense of well-being and control over your health and body.
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