| The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, as do treatment | | | | Bunions are symptoms of osteoarthritis in the joint at |
| options. Osteoarthritis pain relief is the goal of most | | | | the base of the big toe. If the joints of the fingers are |
| treatment plans, although preventing further | | | | affected, they may become enlarged and spurs may |
| deterioration of the cartilage protecting the joints is also | | | | form. If the disease progresses, it can be difficult to |
| a primary concern. Here we have an overview of the | | | | perform simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt. |
| symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as nutritional | | | | Recent surveys have shown that acetaminophen |
| options for osteoarthritis pain relief. | | | | (Tylenol) is the most commonly used over the counter |
| It is important to note that joint pain should be | | | | medication for osteoarthritis pain relief. Interestingly, |
| evaluated by a physician. Joint pain and progressive | | | | acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory, and it is |
| stiffness, without the presence of fever probably | | | | inflammation in the joints that causes the pain. In |
| indicates the onset of osteoarthritis, but joint pain is also | | | | addition, many people are unaware that excessive |
| found in other forms of arthritis and in other diseases, | | | | regular use of acetaminophen can lead to liver |
| so professional evaluation is advisable. | | | | damage. Other prescription and non-prescription pain |
| The symptoms of osteoarthritis can range from daily | | | | relievers can have serious side effects, as well. |
| and disabling to minor and intermittent. Some patients | | | | Clinical research has shown that regular daily |
| may experience years of pain free intervals, while | | | | supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and an |
| others spend years searching for effective | | | | extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel |
| osteoarthritis pain relief. | | | | can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without |
| The most common symptom is pain in a joint after | | | | any detrimental side effects. |
| repetitive use. For example, a person who has been | | | | The University of Maryland's Medical Website states: |
| hiking for years may suddenly experience pain in one | | | | "Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna |
| knee that is not related to a fall, sprain or other injury. | | | | canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty |
| Examination by X-ray may show deterioration of the | | | | acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and |
| cartilage that prevents the joints from grinding against | | | | pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace |
| each other. | | | | in a small group of people with osteoarthritis." |
| Joint pain typically worsens as the day wears on. Long | | | | Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people |
| periods of inactivity, such as taking a car trip or sitting | | | | do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to |
| through a movie can lead to stiffness and pain. | | | | omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system |
| If the cartilage cushions are completely lost, there can | | | | uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that |
| be pain associated with any activity or even at rest. | | | | increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make |
| Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the weight bearing joints | | | | compounds that decrease inflammation. |
| (knees, hips and ankles) sometimes include limping or | | | | In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, omega 3 |
| outward curvature of the knees (bow legged). When | | | | fatty acids may prevent further deterioration of the |
| other measures do not provide osteoarthritis pain relief | | | | cartilage cushions. Laboratory research has shown |
| or if the cartilage in the knees or hips deteriorates to | | | | that omega 3s inhibit the activity of enzymes that |
| the point of joint dysfunction, surgery to "replace" the | | | | destroy cartilage. |
| affected joint is sometimes necessary. The most | | | | Long considered a natural part of the aging process, it |
| common reason for "total knee replacement" in the | | | | now appears likely that symptoms of osteoarthritis |
| United States is osteoarthritis. | | | | may be avoidable. Although heredity may be a factor, |
| Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine include neck | | | | maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular |
| and lower back pain. Bony spurs may form along the | | | | moderate physical activity and increasing intake of |
| spine irritating the nerves and causing severe pain or | | | | omega 3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of developing |
| numbness and tingling. | | | | the disease. |