Home | Health & Fitness | Nutrition
There are three main reasons of osteoarthritis. The first is a genetic predisposition - if someone from your family has it, you are at greater risk of having it yourself. However, two other reasons are much more common: overweight and a long-term stress on some particular joint. The mechanism or osteoarthritis is very simple: the condition is really caused by wearing off the cartilage in the joints. Then, the bones to rub each other while the joint moves, which causes terrible pain, stiffness and finally inability to move the joint. Osteoarthritis is very common - over 21 million people in the U.S. suffer from it. While this arthritis affects mostly those over forty-five years old, it can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Fortunately, there are loads of things you may do stave off the onset of the disease. First and foremost, you have to keep yourself at top condition. Strong muscles will reduce the rate the cartilage wears off and reducing one's weight means that there will be even less stress for the joints. Dieting, exercising and consulting with your doctor regularly is generally all you need to prevent arthritis. Just make sure you're not overdoing it. Too strict diet may cause your organism to weaken and actually cause muscle loss and overexerting yourself may result in damaging your joints rather than helping them. What is also important, remember to protect your joints while exercising. Wrist guards will for example, greatly reduce the risk of wrist injuries while exercising. Ask a doctor if your diet and exercises routine are safe before you start them! The one thing that many people forge about is the need of Omega-3 rich diet. These fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil and in flax, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects as well as for their ability to reduce the soreness of the joints affected by osteoarthritis. They are commonly recommended by doctors both for those who already have osteoarthritis and for those who are at risk of having one. As the normal diet does not usually contain enough Omega-3 fatty acids, food supplements such as Omega Daily are often necessary to assure the proper daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. The most important thing in treating osteoarthritis is the early detection. If there's a pain in your joints than recurs more and more often, talk to your doctor immediately.
Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com
About this Author: John Andrews writes on the topics that are important in helping people help themselves. For more information on Omega Daily and Osteoarthritis just click on the links.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated