Osteoarthritis Joint Pain

Arthritis means inflammation of the joints and it can be very painful with swelling, heat and pain on the joints. Osteoarthritis joint pain is caused by a breakdown of cartilage – the substance that cushions your joints. And without cartilage, your bones rub against each other causing inflammation and pain.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is typically found among older people – over 50 years of age. That is because, as you age, your body makes less of the compounds needed to keep your cartilage in good repair. The result is friction and wear in the joint which causes osteoarthritis joint pain and limited mobility.

Osteoarthritis is usually found in the weight bearing joints like the knee and hips as well as the hands, feet and spine. It affects over 20 million people in the US and the symptoms are pain in the joint often late in the day and usually after repeated use. This can be accompanied by swelling, warmth and even a creaky sound when you move the joint. The amount of joint pain and symptoms vary from person to person.

To minimize osteoarthritis joint pain, one must seek treatment early on. Treatment could range from doing nothing to taking glucosamine chondroitin supplements to taking anti inflammatory drugs and pain medication. Changing your diet to include anti inflammatory foods (salmon, leafy greens) and avoid pro-inflammatory foods (sugar, processed foods) may also be recommended.