Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage wear. It is a condition that can cause functional disability, although it is rare that cases are so severe that they cause a degree of disability that prevents the patient from performing his daily tasks. This disease primarily affects the articular cartilage by atrophying it, and especially affects the hands, the knees, the hips and the vertebral column.

Who can suffer from osteoarthritis and what are the symptoms?

Contrary to what many of us believe, osteoarthritis is not a disease exclusively due to old age, because anyone can develop this pathology regardless of his age.However, it is certain that it is more common in the elderly, especially among women and those who are genetically predisposed to it.

One of the most feared symptoms of osteoarthritis is the pain it causes, which occurs at the onset of the disease when the patient performs sudden movements or intense efforts that involve his joints. This pain relieves by rest, but in case of advanced osteoarthritis it can be very intense, more frequent, and difficult to calm. A person who suffers from osteoarthritis may also have difficulty moving normally, and usually suffers from progressive deformation of the affected joint.

How to slow down osteoarthritis and relieve pain at home?

Persons with osteoarthritis must undergo a medication prescribed by the doctor, who will have confirmed the presence of the disease in his diagnosis. However, there are some very simple ways to treat and alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, although it is still recommended to perform them under medical supervision.

Maintain balanced body weight

Obesity is one of the main causes of this disease, and it allows it to progress rapidly.If you suffer from obesity or overweight , and you have osteoarthritis , it is necessary to immediately follow a diet that will allow you to slim down . No need to follow a strict diet or stop eating, a low calorie program will be sufficient.

Hot and cold therapy

Generally, heat is more effective at treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis even though, on some occasions, the cold may be of greater help. To carry out this therapy, use a sachet or a warm cloth, then apply it on the area affected by the pain. This therapy alleviates the pain and relaxes the muscles. When an osteoarthritic joint is affected by an inflammatory attack, it is recommended to apply a cold pouch or cloth.

Medication

The medication should always be monitored by a doctor or specialist , as only a professional can decide on the appropriate treatment. On the market, there are various analgesics, anti-inflammatories, gels, creams or local infiltrations that prevent the progression of osteoarthritis and alleviate its symptoms. However, it is recommended to avoid self-medication and always consult a doctor.  

Exercises

Although it may seem painful to those who suffer from this disease, it is certain that regular exercises give excellent results in the treatment of the symptoms of this disease. Rest is of course also recommended, but staying completely still can make a person totally dependent on others, and can aggravate his situation . For this reason, it is advisable to practice light physical activity such as walking, cycling, swimming, among other sports. It is also good to consult a fitness expert to introduce you to exercise routines specially designed to protect and strengthen the joints.

Rest

When the pain of osteoarthritis is too intense, it is recommended to suspend its activities and keep the rest. It is especially advisable to insert small periods of rest during daily activities.

The shoes

If you have lumbar osteoarthritis, hip or knee injuries, it is very important to use suitable shoes with a thick sole that can absorb the force of the foot-to-floor impact that occurs during Walking. Avoid using high-heeled shoes and be careful to wear flat soles. Another option may be to obtain silicone soles and adapt them to his shoes so as not to suffer too much during the daily movements.

The massages

To relieve the pain caused by osteoarthritis, it is also recommended to gently massage the affected area, exerting very slight pressure. For massages, it is recommended to use:

• Ginger oil
• Rosemary oil  
• Eucalyptus oil
• Arnica oil