Successful treatment programs are tailored to meet the needs of the individual. By treating arthritis early and following a well-designed treatment plan, you can: Reduce your symptoms Increase joint movement Lessen joint-damaging effects Osteoarthritic joints are not always painful, and when pain is present, it can vary in intensity. In some people severe osteoarthritis is […]
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Even after a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, individuals can continue to lead a full and active life. In addition to various self-treatments such as exercise and medical treatments such as injections into a joint, other measures can be taken to live with OA. These measures include: Joint protection Assistive devices Help from healthcare professionals Developing a
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Here are some frequently asked questions related to osteoarthritis. Q: Will a change of diet improve my osteoarthritis? A: Research does not indicate that modifying one’s diet or eating larger amounts of certain foods will prevent OA or reverse its effects. Yet it is prudent to control obesity by limiting calories, opting for healthy eating habits,
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Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that develops when cartilage – the lining tissue that cushions the ends of the bones in a joint – breaks down. This can happen because of prolonged wear-and-tear, prior injury, or because the cartilage is genetically weak or altered
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Here are definitions of medical terms related to osteoarthritis. Acupuncture: Ancient Chinese technique that uses needles to pierce specific areas of the body along nerve pathways. Acupuncture may be used to relieve pain, induce anesthesia, or serve as a treatment for certain diseases. Arthrodesis: Surgical fusion of a joint. The joint becomes stiff after the surfaces of
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Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on osteoarthritis. Arthritis Foundation Services Arthritis Foundation(national office) Phone: 800-283-7800 http://www.arthritis.org Arthritis Self-Help Course (ASHC) A 6 week [15-hour] class that teaches people how to take control of their own care. Bone Up on Arthritis (BUOA) A simplified, self-paced arthritis course. Six lessons on audiocassettes
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Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become more porous (less solid and less dense), which gradually makes them weaker and more brittle. “Osteo” means bone, and “porosis” means porous. Bones affected by osteoporosis: Do not have enough solid calcium and phosphorus, and steadily lose their supporting protein framework Become thinner and more fragile
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There is no single cause of osteoporosis. Our bodies constantly build new bone and remove older bone. In childhood, more bone is built than removed, and so the bones grow in size. After age 30 or 40, however, the cells that build new bone do not keep up with those that remove bone. The total
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Some people are more likely than others to develop osteoporosis. Risk factors Why your teenager should be concerned Can men be affected too? Risk Factors For Osteoporosis Certain risk factors greatly increase the chance of someone developing osteoporosis. These risk factors are: Menopause in women. The risk of developing osteoporosis is much higher in women after menopause. In fact,
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Osteoporosis alone does not produce any symptoms. Most people with this condition are unaware that their bones are thinning until they experience a fracture. The good news is that a simple imaging procedure, called a bone mineral density (BMD) test, can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis And Fractures If the bones become thin enough,
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If your health care provider thinks that you may have or may be at risk for osteoporosis, you may need a bone mineral density (BMD) test (also referred to as a bone density test), which can detect osteoporosis and allow effective treatment to start. A BMD test can help your physician confirm a diagnosis of
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Preventive measures may reduce or stop bone loss. The earlier these measures are begun, the more effective the results. If you suspect you’re at risk for osteoporosis, it’s wise to address it now, before a bone fracture occurs. Preventing osteoporosis involves making a few changes in your diet, getting enough exercise, and considering whether the available
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