Keep your bones strong for longer to avoid osteoarthritis

Keep your bones strong for longer to avoid osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is a bone disorder in which ligaments (joints of pads between bones) become abnormal or are eroded due to rough use. Ligaments generally prevent the bones at the joints from rubbing with each other. When this preventive pad is gone, the bones start corroding due to their rugged rubbing.
    OA is a curable ailment. Anybody can be afflicted by it. In India, the disease is prevalent in the age group of 25-35. It generally attacks the joints that wear heavy weights on or around them. This explains why hips, knees, spine and shoulders are the prime targets. With OA it gets very painful for the patient to perform daily tasks and even resting becomes a matter of concern as joints pain even in idle situation.
Causes: As much as 60 per cent of the cases of OA are heredity. However, other factors like rising obesity, sedentary lifestyle, incorrect sitting postures and poor dietary habits are responsible for its high incidence. People with diabetes are also prone to OA. Sometimes, abnormal anatomy such as unequal limbs by birth or later in life can also develop OA.
Prevention: Avoid junk food and maintain a healthy eating and exercise regime. The joints should not be subjected to sudden jerks and physical overload. Incorrect exercises can even be worse. Care must be taken in subjecting the bones to stress. People with low bone density and those suffering from osteoporosis must be extra cautious as they have higher risks of a joint damage. Sportspersons must wear proper joint guards even during the practice. Knee pads and other joint protections must be worn by players who have to jump more often. People with OA history in their family must take extra care of their joints.
    Yoga can be of great help for those who do not want to go in for hardcore gymnasium- based exercises. Dos: Eat more of citrus fruits such as oranges. Vitamin C plays an important role in development of cartilages. Adequate calcium intake, as recommended for age and gender, can help strengthen the bone density. When there's pain, hot soaks and warm wax (paraffin) should be applied. Special care must be taken during the winter season. Contact the physician as soon as the pain is out of control. The patient must not pop pain-relieving pills without the knowledge of the doctor.This can affect other organs adversely. He should not exercise the injured joint.This can further the inflammatory sensation. Push the pain to its limits. As the pain persists, one must take to orthoses (assistive devices to prevent affected joints from moving) and wheelchair (if available).
Don’ts: Don’t eat fat-rich food and food cooked in oily food. Any fat for the patient is an extra burden for his joints to bear.