TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

There are 4 major classifications of arthritis.

1.       Degenerative Arthritis

2.       Inflammatory Arthritis

3.       Infectious Arthritis

4.       Metabolic Arthritis

I.                    Degenerative Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and most common type of degenerative arthritis.  When the cushioning surface on the ends of bones (cartilage) wears away, a bone rubs against another bone; causing pain, swelling, and stiffness and over time, joints lose strength.

 Risk factors for degenerative arthritis:

1)      Over weight and obesity

2)      Family history

3)      Age

4)      Previous injury (an anterior cruciate ligament, or tear)       

Osteoarthritis Management

If joint symptoms are mild or moderate, the following can alleviate pain and prevent further bone and cartilage damage:

• Regular physical activity/exercise – Work with a trained fitness instructor to prevent injury.  If working out at home, start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase intensity. Listen to your own body because more often than not it will tell you when your workout is too intensive. Rest in between exercise routines as necessary.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight (depending on your height)
• Use hot and cold therapies on affected areas    
• Supplement Vitamin C to alleviate and prevent further inflammation (A licensed nutritionist should advise on the appropriate dosage based on various factors consideration) 
• Strengthen the muscles around joints for proper support (appropriate exercise/physical activity will help achieve this)
• Use assistive devices (these can be purchased from a chemist/pharmaceutical company)    
• Prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines are effective in reducing pain and further inflammation, but proper nutrition/nutrition therapy is most important in correcting the real cause of the inflammation
• Avoid excessive repetitive movements 

However if joint symptoms are severe, causing limited mobility and affecting quality of life, some of the above management strategies joint replacement may be necessary. But this is an extreme last result. In a majority of cases, nutrition therapy and appropriate medication is able to effectively combat the inflammation.  

Osteoarthritis can be prevented through:

1)      Regular exercise and staying active

2)      Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight (according to height)

3)      Avoiding injury and repetitive movements.