Reduce Joint Health Problems for Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee

The term osteoarthritis is generally associated with joint health. It is a degenerative joint disease known as a “wear and tear” condition, affects any joint in the body , generally associated with  aging. It is a very common condition which can affect any joint in the body, mostly in hips, knees,  finger and feet. Osteoarthritis can affect entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat and  the tissues lining the joint (the synovium).  

In a healthy joint , a coating of tough but smooth and slippery tissue called cartilage covers the   surface of the bones and helps the bones to move freely against each other.

Synovial fluid is a viscous solution found in the cavities of synovial joints. The principal role of   synovial fluid is to reduce friction between the cartilages of synovial joints during movement .

When a joint develops osteoarthritis , part of the cartilage thins and the surface becomes rougher.   This means the joint doesn’t move as smoothly as it should.  

Osteoarthritis (OA) can degrade cartilage, change bone shape and cause inflammation, resulting  in pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. 

How to minimize the problems  

Nondrug Therapies 

Exercise: 

Movement is an essential part of an OA treatment plan. Getting 150 minutes of moderate-to vigorous exercise per week can bring a change in our overall joint health, according to the U.S.  Department of Health and Human Services. A good exercise program to fight OA pain and  stiffness has four parts: 

• Strengthening exercises build muscles around painful joints and helps to ease the stress  on them. 
• Range-of-motion exercise or stretching helps to reduce stiffness and keep joints moving.
• Aerobic or cardio exercises help to improve stamina and energy levels and reduce excess  weight. 
• Balance exercises help to strengthen small muscles around the knees and ankles and  prevent falls.

Weight Loss: 

Excess weight puts additional force and stress on weight-bearing joints, including the hips, knees,  ankles, feet and back, and fat cells promote inflammation. Losing extra weight helps reduce pain  and slow joint damage. Every pound of weight lost removes four pounds of pressure on lower body joints. 

Physical Therapies and Supportive Devices:  

You can bring a change to your joint health by physical therapies with the help of physical  therapists, occupational therapists and chiropractors. Unless you can move spontaneously, you  should take some supportive devices such as walkers, canes, and braces. The supportive devices  lessen the pressure on the affected joints. Take the orthotics devices, which ensure your benefit. 

Apply hot and cold therapy:  

Cold and hot therapy are widely used to relieve joint pain. There are many ways in which you can  apply these therapies. The hot therapies, such as water bottles and warm towels, improve blood  flow and relieve pain. The ice pack reduces the swelling caused by joint pain.

Use stress management techniques:  

Living with osteoarthritis has both physical and emotional tolls. So engaging in stress management  techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and passion activities relieves stress.

Supplements to reduce the pain and inflammation:  

Food is a great source of healing elements. Some food supplements can reduce osteoarthritis  problems such as, 

Glucosamine Sulfate: 

Glucosamine sulfate combined with chondroitin sulfate helps to regrowth of damaged cartilage.  Research shows that Glucosamine can help to decrease joint inflammation , improve joint mobility  and flexibility, prevent joint stiffness, and aid improvement of overall joint health.

Chondroitin Sulfate:  

Chondroitin Sulfate helps to increase synovial fluid, aid in tissue recovery, and promote proper  joint lubrication.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM): 

MSM in combination with glucosamine it helps to fight inflammation and aid in tissue  restoration. As a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) approved substance, MSM is well-tolerated by   most individuals.  

Curcumin: The bioactive compounds derived from turmeric are called curcumins has a great  impact in our joint health. Curcumin helps to protect cartilage breakdown and takes part in the  healing process of bone joint by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IKBa. 

Medications: Pain and anti-inflammatory medicines for osteoarthritis are available as pills,  syrups, patches, gels, creams or injectables. They include: Analgesics (acetaminophen), Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and celecoxib), Counterirritants  (capsaicin, menthol and lidocaine), corticosteroids, Platelet-rich plasma injections, Antidepressants  and anti-seizure drug (pregabalin). 

FAQ 

Why is heat therapy important for osteoarthritis? 

Heat therapy plays a crucial role in tolerating pain and increasing blood flow. It also helps to  relieve inflammation.  

What exercise is recommended for knee osteoarthritis ?  

Knee osteoarthritis can be solved through some exercises that you can practice, such as:  ∙ Bending one leg at the knee.  

• Hold your other leg straight.  
• Lift your foot just off the floor.  
• Hold for a slow count of five, then lower.  

You should repeat this five times with each leg every morning and evening. What activities should be avoided with osteoarthritis?  

If you are one of them and suffer from osteoarthritis, you must avoid the activities Such as,  ∙ Working out on uneven surfaces.  

• Lifting heavy objects  
• High-impact sports  
• Repetitive motions.  
• Wearing high heels.

How do you treat osteoarthritis of the hip naturally?  

There are many ways in which you can treat osteoarthritis naturally. Exercises such as walking  and swimming are among the best ways to improve mobility and reduce pain. Besides, one can  use pain-relieving ointments and hot and cold compresses to treat osteoarthritis in the hip.

Joint  health problems are critical for those who suffer from knee or hip osteoarthritis. It causes stiffness,  mobility, and pain. Taking dietary food supplements that contains Curcumin, Glucosamine Sulfate,  Chondroitin Sulfate, and Methyl Sulfonyl methane can also relieve the pain and reduce  inflammation thus makes hip joint naturally strong.

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