Osteoarthritis: A Very Common Disease

Although this problem is more common in older people, being sedentary and being overweight can promote the development of osteoarthritis in younger people.

Some are still fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of their grandparents, parents or older uncles and aunts. Another generation with a thousand stories that is still there to remind us and tell us about life before.

However, older people often suffer from various illnesses which make them vulnerable and which need to be treated in a very specific way. This is because their immune system is already weakened and heredity also comes into play.

This is why we are going to describe to you in this article one of the main diseases that the elderly suffer from.

We will also give you some advice which, of course, cannot replace the advice of a specialist and medication, but which can also help you to improve your quality of daily life.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative diseases. Over time, it can cause the joint cartilage to wear away, which normally keeps the joints functioning well.

This abnormal wear causes friction between the bones, which causes great pain and reduces mobility in the elderly. This disease mainly affects the hips, knees, neck, back, hands and feet.

A sedentary lifestyle and being overweight are risk factors to be taken into account, even at a younger age, and this disease is unfortunately incurable. Treatments usually involve relieving pain and inflammation. Infiltrations are also carried out directly on the affected region.

In the most severe cases where wear and pain are very severe, surgery may be considered to remove damaged parts of the joint and replace them with a prosthesis. The pain then disappears, but fitting a prosthesis reduces the mobility of the joint.

Are there alternative treatments?

It is possible to have recourse to alternative treatments against osteoarthritis, such as hydrotherapy or massages, which often provide relief to patients suffering from this disease: even if the problem cannot disappear permanently, specific methods allow to avoid greater wear and to improve the quality of life.

The doctor, who must examine the patient and prescribe the appropriate drugs to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, is also the one who will advise the patient on alternative treatment.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a physiotherapy method used as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. These are therapeutic exercises in a heated and air-conditioned swimming pool. The patient is guided at all times by a professional physiotherapist.

This therapy helps maintain good mobility in the joints. Since the joint is not subject to gravity in the water, you can perform various exercises without overloading it.

In this way, you also avoid the damage caused by a lack of activity. Indeed, the less you move, the more your joints will suffer!

Massages

Massages are also a good solution against osteoarthritis. Patients who suffer from this disease present with a rather tense and painful periarticular musculature.

The massages (always carried out by professionals) make it possible to relax these muscles which also suffer from the deterioration of the joints, which makes it possible to effectively relieve the patients.

A natural remedy

You can also use plants against osteoarthritis, such as chamomile for example, which has very interesting analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Apply a little chamomile oil with gentle massages on the affected joint to relieve pain. You will find this oil in pharmacies or at a herbalist.

In conclusion

Taking care of your health now means ensuring your health for tomorrow! A healthy life, without repeated excess, with good eating habits and daily exercise allow us to better prepare for aging and its possible physical consequences.