Osteoarthritis: understanding it and fighting arthritis pain
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Osteoarthritis - Fight Back!
In 2007 I learned that I have osteoarthritis (just like many baby boomers, as well as older and younger folks). Later on in the year I had Total Hip Replacement Surgery on one hip. The other hip was replaced in 2009.
When I was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis I decided to learn as much as I could about it - why it happens, how to live with it, and, if possible, ways to prevent further damage. I learned that there are many types of arthritis and that osteoarthritis is the most common type. My research continues, and this lens is my way of sharing what I've learned. And it's not just for others who have osteoarthritis -- if you have family members or friends with OA, it's good to learn about the disease so that you can offer appropriate support.
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Osteoarthritis: Some Basic Background Information
*Osteoarthritis (OA) affects nearly 21 million people in the United States.
*OA accounts for 25% of visits to primary care physicians, and half of all NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) prescriptions.
*It is estimated that 80% of the population will have radiographic evidence of OA by age 65, although only 60% of those will be symptomatic.
*There is no cure for OA because cartilage has not been induced to regenerate.
The main symptom of OA is chronic pain, causing loss of mobility and often stiffness. "Pain" is generally described as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons.
OA can cause a crackling noise (called "crepitus") when the affected joint is moved or touched, and patients may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons.
Occasionally, the joints may also be filled with fluid.
Humid weather increases the pain in many patients.
OA commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, although in theory, any joint in the body can be affected. As OA progresses, the affected joints appear larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse, the more they are used throughout the day, thus distinguishing it from rheumatoid arthritis.
(The information provided here comes from Osteoarthritis Research Today.)
*OA accounts for 25% of visits to primary care physicians, and half of all NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) prescriptions.
*It is estimated that 80% of the population will have radiographic evidence of OA by age 65, although only 60% of those will be symptomatic.
*There is no cure for OA because cartilage has not been induced to regenerate.
The main symptom of OA is chronic pain, causing loss of mobility and often stiffness. "Pain" is generally described as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons.
OA can cause a crackling noise (called "crepitus") when the affected joint is moved or touched, and patients may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons.
Occasionally, the joints may also be filled with fluid.
Humid weather increases the pain in many patients.
OA commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, although in theory, any joint in the body can be affected. As OA progresses, the affected joints appear larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse, the more they are used throughout the day, thus distinguishing it from rheumatoid arthritis.
(The information provided here comes from Osteoarthritis Research Today.)
Resources for learning about osteoarthritis
Links to organizations and websites where you can learn more
- Arthritis Foundation
- The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. If you have any type of arthritis (or any other medical condition) and want to find out about legitimate clinical trials in your geographic area, this is a good place to look.
- Mayo Clinic
- Mayo Clinic offers award-winning medical and health information and tools for healthy living. You'll find reliable information about osteoathritis and other medical conditions here.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- The AAOS website contains lots of consumer information and can help you find an orthopaedist if you need one.
- WebMD Arthritis Message Boards
- Here are several message boards for those with arthritis.
- Centers For Disease Control Arthritis Website
- The CDC Arthritis Program works to improve the quality of life for people with all types of arthritis. In addition to helping you learn more about arthritis, the website provides information about state and other arthritis programs.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research, and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.
- Arthritis
- womanshealth.gov is the US government's source for women's health information. The link above will take you to a page filled with information about arthritis and with links to organizations where you can learn more. You can also go to the home page for all types of women's health information: http://www.4woman.gov/
- Osteoarthritis Research: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Medication
- Osteoarthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Osteoarthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication. Loads of information!
Watch a video about osteoarthritis
"What Is Osteoarthritis?" is a good
video that helps you visualize what is happening in your body. It's short and worth your time.
video that helps you visualize what is happening in your body. It's short and worth your time.
Osteoarthritis: check out these YouTube videos
Osteoarthritis News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand by"Wear and tear" arthritis
Weight loss can alleviate pain from osteoarthritis
Dr. Tedd Mitchell, president of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, wrote an excellent article for USA Weekend. Everyone with osteoarthritis ought to read it:
As the first baby boomers enter their senior years, it's clear they've picked up some mileage in the form of corporate softball, 10K charity runs, pickup basketball and race walking. For many, the exercise has added not only years to their life, but also life to their years. Unfortunately, for approximately 27 million adults, the aging process has brought with it osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in our population.
Read the rest of this article here.
As the first baby boomers enter their senior years, it's clear they've picked up some mileage in the form of corporate softball, 10K charity runs, pickup basketball and race walking. For many, the exercise has added not only years to their life, but also life to their years. Unfortunately, for approximately 27 million adults, the aging process has brought with it osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in our population.
Read the rest of this article here.
Read This Book!
Recommended reading for those who have OA (and sometimes those who want to prevent OA or provide support to family/friends with OA)
Wear and Tear: Stop the Pain and Put the Spring Back in Your Body
Amazon Price: $1.03 (as of 02/17/2012)
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $0.01
I read this book and found that it contains lots of useful information, and not only for those who have osteoarthritis either (for example, something I learned and implemented eliminated a nasty pain I had in one of my feet). If you want to take steps to prevent osteoarthritis or to keep your OA in check, this book will help a lot. And it contains no silly gimmicks either!
Participate in an arthritis research study
The PRECISION Arthritis Heart Study
an investigational research study for people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who have or are at risk for heart disease. The PRECISION Study will compare 3 approved medicines commonly used to treat pain in people who have osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The 3 medicines are:
*Celecoxib (brand name Celebrex)
*Ibuprofen (brand names include Advil, Medipren, Motrin, and Nuprin)
*Naproxen (brand names include Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, and Naprosyn)
About 20,000 people in the USA and around the world will participate. For more follow this link.
*Celecoxib (brand name Celebrex)
*Ibuprofen (brand names include Advil, Medipren, Motrin, and Nuprin)
*Naproxen (brand names include Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, and Naprosyn)
About 20,000 people in the USA and around the world will participate. For more follow this link.
Arthritis Foundation books about osteoarthritis
The Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is a great organization for those who suffer from all forms of arthritis. Their books are generally filled with lots of useful information. For more excellent books, scroll down the page.
Alternative Approaches To Coping With Osteoarthritis
natural and complementary treatment possibilities
Taking pain-killers is not the only way to help you address the pain of osteoarthritis! The medical community has finally begun to recognize that there are many approaches to managing the pain associated with osteoarthritis. And some alternative approaches may even help you limit the spread of osteoarthritis.
I am looking at yoga, accupuncture, ayurveda and other "non-traditional" approaches (and it must be said that these are non-traditional in the West, but not elsewhere!). As I find good information to share, I'll be posting it here and in other parts of this lens.
I am looking at yoga, accupuncture, ayurveda and other "non-traditional" approaches (and it must be said that these are non-traditional in the West, but not elsewhere!). As I find good information to share, I'll be posting it here and in other parts of this lens.
Explore Alternatives
learn more about non-traditional approaches to osteoarthritis
- Arthritis Alternative Therapies l Tips for Choosing Alternative Therapies l Non-Pharmalogical Arthritis Treatment
- This is the link to the Arthritis Foundation's information about alternative therapies. It's a good place to start.
- Yoga for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
- If you are thinking about yoga, have a look. You'll find information along with photographs showing various yoga asanas (poses) that may help you.
- Gin-Soaked Raisins
- Can gin-soaked raisins help with the pain of arthritis? It's a folk remedy that has not been proven scientifically BUT I found that it really helped with my pain. Maybe it worked because of the ingredients, or maybe it worked because of the placebo effect. As my doctor and I agreed: who cares as long as it works and it's not harmful? Read more about it and decide for yourself if you want to give it a try.
- Diet and Arthritis
- Dr. Andrew Weill, who to my mind combines the best of allopathic (Western) and alternative medicine in his thinking and writing, addresses the impact of diet on your arthritis in this Q&A from AARP.
- Arthritis: Acupuncture
- Learn more about the use of acupuncture for chronic pain from arthritis and other conditions.
- Arthritis Free For Life eBook
- Nancy MacGranahan spent 19 years fighting the constant physical and emotional battle of arthritis. She tried many different drugs and worked with a number of doctors, but she could not get rid of the debilitating pain, stiffness, and swelling. With a lot of skepticism, she decided to try a natural approach, and after several weeks -- much to her surprise -- it began to work.
If you want to learn how she did it naturally, without expensive drugs or doctors, this eBook is the way to go. And if Nancy's methods don't work for you, no problem, because you're covered with a 60-day money-back guarantee. So what have you got to lose? Nothing but the pain! - Copper and Arthritis
- Copper bracelets for arthritis pain relief is an old folk remedy. It is believed that copper is absorbed by the skin to relieve joint pain. And some studies suggest that oral copper supplements reduce the development and progression of arthritis.
- The People's Pharmacy: Arthritis
- The People's Pharmacy has a number of guides, audio programs, and other information that many arthritis sufferers will find quite helpful.
Yoga and arthritis
Yoga is one alternative therapy that has helped many osteoarthritis sufferers. These videos show some of the exercises you might do if you want to explore this "alternative" option.
Easy Yoga for Arthritis with Peggy Cappy
great program on PBS
One of yoga's greatest benefits is the increased flexibility you will achieve. And as anyone with arthritis knows, flexibility can make a world of difference in your quality of life.
Peggy Cappy's program on PBS shows how anyone can learn and benefit from yoga. Cappy has a website as well, and it's worth checking out.
Peggy Cappy's program on PBS shows how anyone can learn and benefit from yoga. Cappy has a website as well, and it's worth checking out.
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Find Free Assistance!
Benefits QuickLINK
AARP has an online screening tool that will help you find free assistance for people of all ages. It's called Benefits QuickLINK, connects you to useful websites, and enables you to download public benefit applications for everything from energy assistance, Medicaid and Medicare to food assistance and children's health insurance. AARP membership is NOT required to use this fantastic tool.
The BEST book about alternative therapies and arthritis
Arthritis: Reverse Underlying Causes of Arthritis with Clinically Proven Alternative Therapies
This is the most comprehensive collection of information about natural arthritis management therapy I have ever seen. Whether you are a patient or a health-care provider, if you want to learn more about bone and joint health issues, this is the book for you.
Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Arthritis: Reverse Underlying Causes of Arthritis With Clinically Proven Alternative Therapies Second Edition
Amazon Price: $9.87 (as of 02/17/2012)
Treating and managing my arthritis naturally is what I prefer (but that hip surgery was unavoidable!). Since I got my hands on this book I've been following a number of the recommendations it contains, and it really makes a difference. This is not a "quack" book at all - a considerable amount of research about the various treatment methods has been done. And the authors do an excellent job of presenting all of the information. If you can have only one book about arthritis and natural healing, THIS IS THE ONE!
Accupuncture
an ancient treatment that has helped many arthritis sufferers
Some herbal remedies used by people with arthritis
Glucosamine: does it work for you?
The popular supplement glucosamine, used by many arthritis sufferers, was found to be no better than placebo pills for relieving the pain of hip osteoarthritis or increasing the ability to do everyday activities, according to a new study from the Netherlands.
Have you tried glucosamine for hip arthritis? Did it help? Share your experience here.
(This is limited to hip arthritis only - thanks!)
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Try a copper bracelet!
The only way to find out if you are one of those people whose arthritis can be helped by copper is to give it a try. (Even if it doesn't work for you, you'll still have a nice piece of copper jewelry!)
Spotlight on Healthy Aging
an excellent book by Andrew Weill, M.D.
America's best-known complementary care physician offers a convincing portrait of aging as a natural part of life that can be active, productive and satisfying.
At the heart of Healthy Aging is Dr. Weill's belief that although aging is an irreversible process, there are myriad things we can do to keep our minds and bodies in good working order through all phases of life. To that end, he draws on the new science of biogerentology (the biology of aging) as well as on the secrets of healthy longevity -- diet, activity, and attitude -- that he has gathered firsthand from cultures around the world.
If you have arthritis, or even if you don't, you'll find this an excellent read. It's a book for people of all ages.
At the heart of Healthy Aging is Dr. Weill's belief that although aging is an irreversible process, there are myriad things we can do to keep our minds and bodies in good working order through all phases of life. To that end, he draws on the new science of biogerentology (the biology of aging) as well as on the secrets of healthy longevity -- diet, activity, and attitude -- that he has gathered firsthand from cultures around the world.
If you have arthritis, or even if you don't, you'll find this an excellent read. It's a book for people of all ages.
Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Physical and Spiritual Well-Being
Amazon Price: $5.00 (as of 02/17/2012)
List Price: $27.95
Used Price: $2.26
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Laugh!
humor is a powerful tool in your fight against OA!
Joint Replacement
Sometimes it's the only solution
Joint replacement has become increasingly common, and those who have it are not necessarily seniors. Here are a number of resources for you to check out if you need more information about joint replacement surgery.
- Hips For You
- Hips For You is a collection of articles, doctor information, medical studies and personal hip replacement stories. Hips For You has been designed to help people learn about hip replacement. Hips For You is not financially supported by any doctors, hospitals or medical manufacturers of hip replacement devices.
- Zimmer
- Zimmer is one of the major manufacturers of replacement joints. The company has a lot of useful information on their website for anyone contemplating knee, hip, elbow, or shoulder replacement surgery. By providing this link I am NOT endorsing Zimmer - you and your doctor will determine the appropriate "equipment" for your needs.
- Stryker Defective Hip Implants
- Some models of Stryker hip implants may be defective and Stryker Corporation has voluntarily recalled certain hip implant products. You can get more information at the page linked above. The site will also give you links to pages where you can read the FDA warning to Stryker. The information is free, but please note that this link is to attorneypages.com, which can help you find an attorney should you need one.
- Total Hip Replacement Surgery
- An informational resource on HubPages
- Hip Replacement and Recovery
- Information about topics such as preparing for surgery, how to manage after returning home, getting active again, and much more.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Having had both hips replaced, my best advice for anyone planning to have this surgery is this: get in the best shape possible beforehand and make sure you choose a surgeon who is very experienced, knows his/her stuff, and with whom you feel comfortable and respected!
Knee Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery: worth it?
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Use your own stem cells to repair joints
a viable alternative to surgery or chronic pain
Using the power of your own adult stem cells, Regenexx TM Procedures can help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
These new non-surgical procedures use a patient's own stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues. If you have hip osteoarthritis or hip bursitis or other degenerative problems related to the hip joint (or other joints), this is an alternative to surgery that you should consider.
In a nutshell, physicians extract bone marrow from your hip, grow special cells from it in the lab, and then inject them into the injured area. Over the next several weeks, the cells differentiate into the type needed. Plus, they "act like general contractors," says researcher Christopher Centeno, M.D., head of the Centeno-Schultz Pain Management Clinic in Broomfield, CO, who conducted trials on the procedure. "They can bring in other cells to help with repair or inflammation." This versatility makes stem cells potentially useful for fixing many problems; indeed, hundreds of studies are under way, testing the cells for everything from wound healing to heart repair.
Visit the Regenexx website to learn more, and visit the Regenexx youtube channel to see informational videos and news reports about these stem cell procedures.
These new non-surgical procedures use a patient's own stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues. If you have hip osteoarthritis or hip bursitis or other degenerative problems related to the hip joint (or other joints), this is an alternative to surgery that you should consider.
In a nutshell, physicians extract bone marrow from your hip, grow special cells from it in the lab, and then inject them into the injured area. Over the next several weeks, the cells differentiate into the type needed. Plus, they "act like general contractors," says researcher Christopher Centeno, M.D., head of the Centeno-Schultz Pain Management Clinic in Broomfield, CO, who conducted trials on the procedure. "They can bring in other cells to help with repair or inflammation." This versatility makes stem cells potentially useful for fixing many problems; indeed, hundreds of studies are under way, testing the cells for everything from wound healing to heart repair.
Visit the Regenexx website to learn more, and visit the Regenexx youtube channel to see informational videos and news reports about these stem cell procedures.
More excellent books about osteoarthritis
there's a wealth of information out there!
More links to osteoarthritis resourcs
- Everyday Health Osteoarthritis Center
- Get answers to your questions and information you need to treat - and live with - osteoarthritis. You can participate in online message boards too.
(Everyday Health complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. It respects and pledges to honor the 8 principles of the HON Code of Conduct: 1. Authoritative 2. Complementarity 3. Privacy 4. Attribution 5. Justifiability 6. Transparency 7. Financial disclosure 8. Advertising policy) - WebMD Arthritis Health Center - Find arthritis information and the latest arthritis health news
- Get in-depth arthritis information here including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions.
- Wikipedia
- Osteoarthritis from Wikipedia
- The-Happy-Hobblers-Osteo-Arthritis-group
- The-Happy-Hobblers-Osteoarthritis-group at Yahoo! Groups has hundreds of members. Be sure to check it out.
- About.com Arthritis
- Information about arthritis pain relief, symptoms, medication, treatment, and diet. Information on various types of arthritis.
- Consumer Information Center: Osteoarthritis
- Information for people who have osteoarthritis, their families, and others interested in learning more about the disorder. From the Federal Citizen Information Center, a service of the U.S. government.
- HealthDay
- HealthDay's reporters and editors cover news about various health issues, and the company then syndicates that news. Visit their site, search for osteoarthritis (or any other medical concern you may have), and read the latest.
- Knee Exercises Video For Those With Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
- Exercises specifically designed for people with OA of the knee
eBay can be a great resource for osteoarthritis products
Your feedback is welcome!
Thank you for visiting
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Lloyd Bower
Jun 21, 2011 @ 3:40 pm | delete
- I've been really apprehensive about going through a hip replacement surgery since the couple of Hip Replacement Recall made on several hip implants. How can I be sure that the one used on me is not defective?
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Silver_Lotus
Aug 21, 2011 @ 8:50 am | delete
- You need to discuss this with your doctor. While some implants have been recalled, I think people have become a little crazy on the subject due to the way information and misinformation spread online. If you have a good doctor and trust him/her, together you can make the right decision. Just remember that there are plenty of folks out there who've had the surgery done and had no problems with defective implants.
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Christina Line
May 26, 2011 @ 10:16 am | delete
- Kudos to this very well-written piece. Hopefully future readers will find this useful as well. Thanks.
ASR Hip Recall
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zimmer knee replacement lawsuit
Apr 13, 2011 @ 10:04 am | delete
- Zimmer knee recall lawyers can help you out. They are the ones who will make sure that your rights are always protected. Seek their valuable help right away.
Visit:zimmer knee replacement lawsuit
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Milan Scott
Apr 7, 2011 @ 9:21 am | delete
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects weight-bearing joints. Extra bones may form around the joint, and the ligaments and muscles around the hips become weaker and stiffer which causes excruciating pain upon movement. A hip replacement (may it be partial or total), can help relieve the constant pain around the hips. If you or a love one has had a hip implant in the past, check out this site for information about the DePuy Pinnacle Recall.
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Silver_Lotus
Dec 7, 2010 @ 8:10 am | delete
- Thank you for visiting!
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mcochs
Dec 4, 2010 @ 6:16 pm | delete
- Very informative lens on arthritis. Blessed by a Squid Angel on 12/04/2010. Have a wonderful day!
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thehiplady
Dec 4, 2010 @ 4:06 am | delete
- This is a very informative and well written piece. I had one hip replaced last year and am waiting to have the other plus a knee done sometime soon. For me its not a matter of if I do it but working out the best time for the operation. It's a matter of balancing quality of life against the probable need for earlier revision work.
Pamela
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Silver_Lotus
Dec 4, 2010 @ 9:05 am | delete
- Thank you for visiting. I appreciate your comments and wish you the best of luck with your operation.
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WilliamsHood
Dec 3, 2010 @ 2:04 am | delete
- Don't give in to osteoarthritis pain.
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I have osteoarthritis and have had total replacement of one hip (x-rays and pain indicate that it won't be too long before it's time to replace the other... more »
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