Osteoarthritis

There are many misconceptions about arthritis and I have often heard medical professionals pronounce that this prevalent disease is to be expected as a part of ageing. In other words, that might suggest that we are helpless to do anything about it other than suffer with debilitating pain. I believe that we should empower ourselves, adopt a fighting spirit and not give in to any pronouncement that we cannot affect positive change in our condition.  

There are more than 100 types of arthritis: there are some similarities but they are not all made equal. They classify as either degenerative, inflammatory, metabolic or infectious. The  most  common is osteoarthritis, often caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints due to aging or injury. It is this particular arthritis, specifically about non-surgical treatments, that is the focus of this blog posting. 

I grew up listening to my mother complaining of her severe osteoarthritis and other conditions but never doing anything to ameliorate her symptoms. Common symptoms include pain and swelling and decreased range of motion. She credits the onset of her disease from a fall that she had around the age of 50.  I suppose at the time nobody had suggested ways for her to deal with arthritis. 

The inclination for some people with the onset of pain with this type of arthritis is to rest. That is probably the worst thing that anyone can do to deal with the symptoms. I like the analogy of a car that has not been driven for some time. I have lots of experience around that having just returned from three months away in Mexico. The battery drains, there is rust buildup on the brake rotors, the engine oil becomes acidic, seals dry out, steering fluid breaks down and eventually there can be engine damage. 

Back to the subject of health, simple movement and putting your joints through their range of motion is essential.  The fluid lubricating the joints is called synovial fluid. Cartilage on the edge of bones is protected from the opposing bone by a sac that contains this synovial fluid. Overuse and dietary imbalance can lead to a breakdown of the cartilage and the synovial fluid loses its ability to lubricate. Bone on bone results in pain.

So far, in my own health, I have managed to avoid any noticeable arthritis and, of course, that can partly be credited to having good genes.  However, on the subject of exercise, low impact activities such as swimming, cycling and walking help strengthen muscles supporting the joints. In recent years, I have had to eliminate the martial arts of judo, and karate because of trauma to the joints. I have also eliminated cross-country running at which I was adept back in my teen years. That was so, so long ago. All these activities involve impact on the joints which can result in arthritic conditions. 

Another condition that can be helpful  is maintaining a healthy weight because it reduces pressure on the joints. Along with carrying the right weight is having a diet that tends to be more alkali forming. Diseases tend to flourish in acidic environment. Therefore,  it is is important to avoid a lot of ultra-processed foods and refined sugars. I will talk about inflammatory forming foods in a future blog posting. However, nearly all fresh fruit, vegetables and legumes are alkali forming. Meat tends to be acidic forming, as does a lot of dairy.

I should give a plug to recommending my own services because massage therapy, shiatsu and physiotherapy will help improve flexibility and range of motion. 

OsteoFinally if despite all this good advice you are still experiencing arthritic symptoms, braces, shoe inserts or walking aids can help stabilise joints. Also consider using heat and cold therapy to reduce pain and stiffness.