| Arthritis is often thought of as a single disease, | | | | "Glucosamine" has surfaced in the past 10 or so |
| however it is, in fact many diseases. Arthritis causes | | | | years as a "wonder drug" of sorts. Derived from |
| pain, weakness and inflammation in and around the | | | | Shark Cartilage, it helps to build on the bodies natural |
| joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form. | | | | cartilage, which over time provides a new cushion to |
| Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the | | | | prevent bones from rubbing against each other. |
| cartilage, which is the shock-absorbing material | | | | There are various forms of this drug, which are |
| between the joints. When no cartilage exists it | | | | available in the Health isle of most supermarkets. |
| causes bone to rub against bone, which causes pain | | | | Your medical practitioner will usually advise regular |
| and stiffness in the fingers, knee's, feet, hips and | | | | exercise to reduce swelling. Its important to always |
| back. | | | | seek medical advice before undertaking strenuous |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis is a more severe form of the | | | | exercise particularly if the pain is severe or if you are |
| disease. It occurs when the immune system, instead | | | | in a category you would consider to be elderly. |
| of protecting the body, begins attacking it. Swelling | | | | Some evidence also suggests eliminating unnecessary |
| of the membrane that lines the joints is the result. | | | | chemicals from your living environment may also |
| This form of Arthritis is most affected by diet. | | | | contribute to eliminating swelling and pain associated |
| It appears there is no getting away from problems | | | | with Arthritis. |
| associated with too much fat in our diet. Arthritis is | | | | Medical conditions and birth defects can cause |
| no exception. A diet low in saturated fat reduces the | | | | arthritis. My wife had Perthes (Disease of the hip) |
| bodies production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are | | | | disease as a child and had several surgeries throw her |
| hormone-like substances that contribute towards | | | | early to late teens. About 2 years ago at the age of |
| inflammation. | | | | 32 she had a total hip replacement which improved |
| Omega-3 Fatty acids which are found primarily in cold | | | | her mobility incredibly. In the past Doctors have |
| water fish (trout, salmon, mackerel etc). Several | | | | avoided recommending replacement surgery for |
| studies have concluded that patients who consume | | | | people under the age of 40 or even 50 for some |
| higher than normal amounts of Fish oils had fewer | | | | specialists. |
| tender joints & less morning stiffness. | | | | These days Joint replacements can last up to 10 |
| Evidence shows that people who are overweight are | | | | years and with medical technology increasing the way |
| likely to be at an increased risk of developing | | | | it is, when the need arises for a second or third |
| Arthritis, particularly in load bearing joints like the | | | | replacement these will last longer still. |
| knees. | | | | |