There are many forms of osteoarthritis which affect over 40 million
people today. Osteoarthritis is the most common
form and affects approximately 20 million people. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, is one of
the oldest types of osteoarthritis. It is characterized by the
breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Cartilage is the part
of the joint that cushions the ends of bones. The wear
and tear of the cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub
against each other, causing pain and loss of
movement. In osteoarthritis, joint
cartilage breaks down, and there is a narrowing of the
space between the bones which meet at a joint. The joint
bones themselves undergo deleterious chemical change, and
considerable pain can be produced. The space-narrowing
effect, in addition to the pain, tend to reduce range of
motion, especially in the hands, knees, and hips. The two classifications of
osteoarthritis
are "Primary" and "Secondary".
Primary Osteoarthritis most commonly affecting middle-aged and
older people with most individuals over the age of 75
experiencing symptoms in at least one joint. It can
range from very mild to very severe. It affects hands and
weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the
back. Secondary osteoarthritis most often occurs as
the result of injuries or fractures.
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is largely made by
obtaining a detailed history and conducting a complete
physical examination. Ancillary diagnostic tests may
occasionally be necessary when the diagnosis remains
uncertain. The usual presenting symptom is pain involving
one or only a few joints. Joint involvement is usually
symmetric. Morning joint stiffness that usually resolves
within 30 minutes or occurs with mild-to-moderate
activity is also common. As the disease progresses,
prolonged joint stiffness and joint enlargement are
evident. Radiographs can provide objective evidence
of the disease. Findings consistent with osteoarthritis
include presence of joint space narrowing and
osteophyte formation.
Various strategies are used to treat osteoarthritis. The primary objective to is too
increase mobility and reduce the pain.
Traditional methods using NSAIDS such as Motrin and
Ibuprofen are commonly used. Also, Hyaluronic
Acids such has Hylan has shown promise.
Recently, many people have been discovering the
effectiveness of vitamin supplementation using
Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM, & Ester-C. One
such product which has shown good results is Free and
Easy for People. Free and Easy for People relies
on the synergistic effects of these vitamins to provide
enhanced mobility and increased lubrication in the
affected joint.
