TZPSS Articles | Health | Osteoarthritis

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, a consequence of
aging, is a chronic disease of the joints leading to spurring of
bone, pain and decreased mobility and function.

Osteoarthritis is related to a breakdown of cartilage in joints;
it commonly occurs in the hips, knees and spine. Its main
symptoms are pain and morning stiffness, which usually
worsens with exercise.

Cartilage contains a lot of water. When pressure is applied,
some water from cartilage enters the joint and coats coats
the cartilage. When the pressure is removed, the water
reabsorbed and the cartilage regains its normal shape. In
osteoarthritis, the cartilage may wear away in some areas
causing bones rubbing against each other in a joint.

To function as a shock absorber, cartilage is made up of four
substances" collagen, proteoglycans, water and chondrocytes.
Collagen is a macromolecule to provide a framework to house
other components inside the cartilage. Proteoglycans contains
protein and sugar. Proteoglycans are hydrophilic and they
trap water in cartilage. Chondrocytes are the cells producing
new collagen and proteglycans in cartilage. These cells also
release enzymes to break down old collagen and
protesoglycans.

Precautions for people with osteoarthritis?
People with osteoarthritis are always advised to start a gentle
program of exercise to improve joint function and avoid any
vigorous activities such as soccer and basketball. It may also
be helpful if they take glucosamine alone, or a combined with
chondroitin daily for pain and to protect joints. If needed,
patients are always suggested to have weight loss.

Medicines for Osteoarthritis
The common prescribed medicines used for osteoarthritis are
diclofenac (Voltaren) etodolac (Lodine), ibuprofen (Motrin,
Advil), indomethacin (Indocin), valdecoxib (Bextra) and
celecoxib (Celebrex). OTC Products include acetaminopen
(Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin, Bufferin), ibuprofen (Motrin,
Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

Herbs and Supplements for Osteoarthritis
The most commonly used supplements include boswellia, cat's
claw, cayenne, chondroitin sulfate, ginger, glucosamine
sulfate, SAMe and niacinamide (vitamin B3). Supplements that
may be helpful include cartilage, methylsulfonylmethane, cetyl
myristoleate, collagen, devil's claw, stinging nettle and guggul.
Please, note that each one of these has its own particular side
effects. Discuss with your doctor before using any
supplements, herbs or medicine.

This article can not be replaced for medical advice. If you have question, you
should consult with your doctor immediately. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2007]

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