OSTEOARTHRITIS

What is it?

• a degenerative condition of aging adults that affects the joints of the body, particularly the knees, hips, neck, low back, knuckles, that become swollen, stiff, and painful, disrupting movement and functionality

How's it happen?

• risk factors include: age (over 40), sex (women > men), obesity, heredity, and previous joint injury
• the cartilage on the end of the bone wears down and becomes rough
• the existing bone starts to grow in "extra" places, forming bony spurs
• the synovial lining of the joint becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful
• the capsule and ligaments shorten, contributing to stiffness

What do you do about it?

• KEEP MOVING!  keeping active and mobile reduces the stiffness and pain
• strengthen muscles surrounding arthritic joints to help support them
• maintain a healthy weight with diet and activity to keep added stress off the weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, feet)
• avoid putting undo pressure on arthritis joints
• use medications as necessary to reduce pain and inflammation combined with above suggestions
• serious cases may require steroid injections or joint replacement surgery

Go here to find the right Khazen AthletiKare osteoarthritis prevention & treatment program for you!

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