Characteristics of osteoarthritis

Arthrosis or osteoarthritis ( degenerative joint disease) is a disorder characterized by articular degradation in the joints, particularly affecting the spine, hips, hands and feet.

Injuries occur when the body is unable to regenerate the cartilage so that the affected joint bones rub against each other to produce hardening, bone spurs, less space between the bones of the joint and cysts. This frictions produces, as the disease progresses, chronic joint damage that initially swells to finish showing a permanent swelling as a result of fluids being accumulated in it.

Osteoarthritis is very common among population, especially in older people because it affects between 60 and 85% of people over 65 years. However, it also affects young people, particularly athletes and those doing heavy work or violent movements. 40% of these workers are affected by this disease.

Types of osteoarthritis

There are two types of osteoarthritis:

- Primary osteoarthritis: It is produced as a result of forcing the joint for too long. It mainly affects the fingers, knees and lumbar and cervical vertebrae. . Very often toes are also affected.

- Secondary osteoarthritis: It is produced as a result of joint injury, such as arthritis that occurs in the joints of athletes, those people who suffer joint surgery, a fall, an accident, etc.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are

Morning stiffness, pain, swelling, permanent inflammation, pain after exercise, pain that starts in the joint and spreads beyond it , creaking joints, pain when it rains, etc.

Causes of osteoarthritis

Possible causes of osteoarthritis are:

- Obesity. Overweight is responsible to exert undue pressure on some joints which will eventually produce cartilage wear and the onset of osteoarthritis, especially in the knee, spine and feet. It is considered as the main cause of primary osteoarthritis.

- Injuries: falls, blows or trauma in general are responsible for the emergence of many secondary osteoarthritis. This is usually very common among some athletes who become often injured (eg, toes and knees in soccer or basketball players)

- Injuries caused by repeated inadequate body posture: The repetition of bad postures when practicing certain sports or at work can cause undue strain on a particular joint which leads to the emergence of secondary osteoarthritis. (For example, arthritic fingers of people working with computers , osteoarthritis of tennis elbow, osteoarthritis of painter's elbow, dancer ankles , etc.).

- Poor articulation configuration: In people who have had inadequate development of the joints, like the bowlegged, for example, can cause wear of the joint.

- Certain diseases, including gout, joint infection, diabetes, etc are responsible for secondary osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis

If you suspect a possible osteoarthritis, it is essential for you to visit the specialist who will make the appropriate diagnosis and will apply the suitable treatment in order to prevent its worsening.

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made by personal physical examination and other possible medical tests, such as radiographs, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs.) etc.

The natural treatment of osteoarthritis involves the use of a range of resources to improve the living conditions of the patient. These can include the following:

- Phytotherapy.

- Hydrotherapy

- Massage

- Supplements

- Acupressure

- Physical Therapy

More information about osteoarthritis natural treatments in the listing above.

The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor. "Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication