Osteoarthritis causes
Table of Contents
Understanding the Osteoarthritis causes, Unlocking the Secrets of Joint Degeneration.
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, resulting in pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Although osteoarthritis mainly affects older people, it can also occur in younger people due to a number of factors.
In this article, we’ll dive into the main Osteoarthritis causes and shed light on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to joint degeneration.Understanding the Causes of Osteoarthritis unleashing the Secrets of common Degeneration preface.
Osteoarthritis ( OA) is a common degenerative complaint that affects millions of people worldwide.
It’s characterized by the gradational breakdown of cartilage, performing in pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Although osteoarthritis substantially affects aged people, it can also do in youngish people due to a number of factors.
In this article, we’ll dive into the main causes of osteoarthritis and shed light on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to joint degeneration.
One of the main risk factors for osteoarthritis is advanced age. As we age, the cartilage that protects our joints naturally wears and tears, reducing its ability to absorb shock and provide adequate protection.
This age-related degeneration gradually weakens the articular structure, making it more susceptible to osteoarthritis.
Genetics and family history:
Genetic factors play an important role in the development of osteoarthritis. Research suggests that certain genes can make an individual more susceptible to osteoarthritis.
If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, you may have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. However, it is important to note that genetics alone does not determine the occurrence of osteoarthritis; they only increase the overall risk.
Joint injuries and overuse:
Joint injuries such as fractures, dislocations and torn ligaments can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
When a joint is injured, the natural healing process can upset the delicate balance of the joint structures, including the cartilage.
Over time, this can lead to abnormal wear, eventually leading to osteoarthritis. In addition, repetitive activities or occupations that put too much strain on certain joints can contribute to the degenerative process.
Obesity and overweight:
Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially in the weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
Being overweight increases the pressure on the joints, which accelerates the breakdown of cartilage.
In addition, fatty tissue produces inflammatory substances that can promote arthritis and aggravate the progression of osteoarthritis.
Joint imbalance and instability:
Structural abnormalities and joint imbalance can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Conditions such as arched feet, uneven leg length, or abnormal joint alignment can put uneven pressure on the joints, causing accelerated wear. Similarly, joint instability due to loose ligaments or muscle weakness can disrupt joint mechanics and contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis.
Metabolic factors:
Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and high uric acid levels (gout) can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. These diseases promote systemic inflammation and can directly affect joint health. For example, high levels of uric acid can cause crystals to form in the joints, which triggers inflammation and cartilage damage.
Conclusion:
Osteoarthritis is a multifactorial condition influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Although we cannot control our age or our genetic predispositions, understanding the causes of osteoarthritis allows us to make informed choices to reduce our risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding joint injury, and managing underlying metabolic diseases are important steps in maintaining joint health and reducing the effects of osteoarthritis. By prioritizing joint care and taking a proactive approach, we can improve our quality of life and enjoy optimal joint function for years to come..
Symptoms of Osteo Arthritis :
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that affects mainly both knees & hip joints. The early symptoms of osteoarthritis is crucial for timely intervention and management required. Homeopathic treatment can help in early stage. Due to Osteoarthritis causes following symptoms explained.
Joint Pain:
One of the hallmark symptoms of osteoarthritis is joint pain. Individuals with this condition often experience pain in the affected joints, which can range from mild to severe. The pain is typically described as a deep, aching sensation that worsens with movement and improves with rest. Commonly affected joints include the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Stiffness:
Stiffness in the affected joints is another common symptom of osteoarthritis. People with this condition often find it challenging to move the affected joints, especially after periods of inactivity such as waking up in the morning or sitting for a prolonged period. Stiffness usually improves with gentle movement and activity.
Limited Range of Motion:
As osteoarthritis progresses, individuals may experience a reduced range of motion in the affected joints. This limitation can make simple daily tasks, such as bending, walking, or grasping objects, increasingly difficult. The joints may feel “locked” or become harder to move freely.
Joint Swelling:
Inflammation and swelling are common symptoms of osteoarthritis. The affected joints may appear swollen and feel tender to the touch. Swelling is often a result of the body’s response to the ongoing wear and tear in the joint.
Bone Spurs:
Osteoarthritis can lead to the formation of bone spurs, also known as osteophytes. These bony growths develop around the edges of the affected joint and can be detected through imaging tests. Bone spurs can contribute to joint pain and limited mobility.
Joint Deformities:
In advanced cases, osteoarthritis can cause joint deformities. Over time, the joint surfaces may wear down, leading to changes in joint shape and alignment. Joint deformities can cause visible changes in the affected joints, such as bony knobs or crooked fingers.
Joint Instability:
Osteoarthritis can result in joint instability, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Individuals may experience a feeling of joint giving way or a sense of the joint being unstable during movement, making them more prone to falls and injuries.
Treatments of Osteo Arthritis:
Yoga is a very useful natural exercise to reduce the symptoms of Osteoarthritis .
Some of the yoga poses for this cause are :
Tadasana:-
Also known as Mountain Pose, it helps to strengthen the knees,ankles,hips etc and also helps in reducing weight.
Also known as Staff Pose,this yoga pose increases the flexibility of the hip muscles and also strengthens the back muscles.
Diet for Osteo Arthritis:-
Apart from Yoga,Osteo Arthritis symptoms can also be reduced by following a healthy diet.The main goal is to decrease the body weight so that no extra strain is put on the joint cartilages.
Best Foods for Osteo Arthritis Patients:
Some of the best foods to include in the diet are:-
– Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Foods having high concentration of Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the healthiest foods for Osteo Arthritis patients.They decrease inflammation by suppressing the production of cytokines and enzymes that break down cartilage.Some of these foods are fish like tuna,salmon,mackerel,sardines,etc.
– Vitamin C -Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps in developing cartilage.Some of the foods from which Vitamin-C can be obtained are Citrus fruits like oranges,lemons,apples,etc;strawberries,tomatoes and so on.
Foods to avoid:
–Some of the foods to avoid for OsteoArthriti patients are:-
– Sugar-Sugary foods such as cakes, pastries,cookies etc have high amounts of carbohydrates which increase the body weight.
– Salt-Eating too much salt increases inflammation and thus causes degeneration of cartilage.
– Dairy Products like milk,yogurt etc increases inflammation and thus trigger arthritis pain.
Homeopathic Treatment for Osteo Arthritis:
– Osteo Arthritis can be treated by using homeopathic medicines.Some of the useful Homeopathic medicines are:-
– 1. Bryonia Alba-Used in treatment of osteoarthritis, pain with inflammation which is aggravated by movements.
– 2. Rutagraveolens-This medicine is prescribed for patients suffering from intense stiffness and lameness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:-
Unlike Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and damage throughout the body.It causes the joint on the other side of the already damaged joint to be affected as well.Hence if one arm or leg is affected,the other arm or leg will also be affected.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
– Some of the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are:-
– 1. Genetics-Just like in the case of Osteoarthritis,genetics play a vital role in causing Rheumatoid Arthritis.A family history of rheumatoid arthritis may cause this disease.
– 2. Injury- injury like breakage of bone,ligament damage or joint dislocation may trigger rheumatoid arthritis.
– 3. Obesity
– 4. Smoking
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
– Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include:-
– Inflammation and pain in the joints.
– Swelling of Joints
– Joint stiffness
– Deprivation of joint functions
OSTEO ARTHRITIS and RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS:THEIR CAUSES AND HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Manage arthritis pain, useful source https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/natural-solutions/
Scope of homoeopathy in Osteoarthritis
Treatments of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
There is no cure of Rheumatoid Arthritis.But it can be managed by using some treatments and maintain a healthy diet.An adequate amount of rest and sleep is required for reducing the pain and fatigue.Ice packs are also beneficial to reduce inflammation and pain.
Low impact exercise like Yoga is very useful to strengthen the muscles and also to relieve pressure from the joints.
– Some of the yoga poses for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis are:-
– 1. Pawanmuktasana-
Also known as the Wind Relieving Pose,it helps to relieve air trapped in the joints,improve blood circulation and thus reduce pain in the joints.
– 2. Paschimottanasana-
Also called the Forward Seated Bend,this pose helps to strengthen the spine and increase lubrication in the joints.
Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients:
Aside from yoga,following a well maintained diet is very important for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.The diet should be inflammatory.
Best Foods to include in the diet:-
– Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Similar to Osteo Arthritis,foods containing high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are very beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.Tuna,Salmon,Sardines etc have high amounts of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
– Antioxidants such as Vitamins A,C and E help in reducing inflammation.Some of the foods which contain these antioxidants are citrus fruits,berries,dark chocolates,spinach and other green vegetables.
Foods to avoid:
– The foods to avoid for Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers are:-
– Refined Grains-Processed carbohydrates like white rice,white bread etc should be avoided as they cause inflammation.
– Dairy products,fried foods,red meat and saturated fats also cause inflammation and thus should be avoided.
– Excessive alcohol consumption increases inflammation.
Homeopathic Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
– Homeopathic remedies offer a long term effect on the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.Some of the best Homeopathic medicines for this cause are:-
– 1. Causticum-This homeopathic medicine is prescribed for people suffering from arthritis with deformities in joints.
– 2. Colchicum-This is the most common Homeopathic medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis.Symptoms include numbness in the fingers, stiffness in the joints, pain which gets worsened at evening and nights,feverish feeling and so on.
best homeopathic medicine for osteoarthritis