| Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the | | | | Swimming is an excellent exercise as it minimizes |
| inflammatory joint disease arthritis, affecting over 21 | | | | stress on the joints. |
| million Americans, including most people over 60. There | | | | There are now over 100 arthritis medications being |
| are currently over 100 arthritis medications used to | | | | used to treat arthritis. Patients with mild to moderate |
| treat the condition, but no "magic bullet" to slow its | | | | OA are usually advised to use over-the-counter |
| progress. | | | | arthritis medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDS |
| There are over 100 types of arthritis, defined as the | | | | (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to combat the |
| breakdown and wearing away of cartilage (protein-like | | | | pain and swelling. Topical pain relieving creams |
| cushion) between the joints caused by inflammation. | | | | containing capsaicin, salycin, methyl salicylate or |
| Osteoarthritis arthritis, also called degenerative arthritis | | | | menthol can also provide relief, as can applying heat |
| or just OA, is the most common form of arthritis, | | | | and/or cold. Fish oils appear to have some |
| affecting over 20 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is | | | | anti-inflammatory properties. There is conflicting |
| more common in women than in men as we age, and | | | | evidence on the effectiveness of the supplements |
| over 30 percent of American females have some | | | | chondroitin and glucosamine. |
| form of it by 65. | | | | Celebrex is a form of NSAID called a COX-2 inhibitor |
| Osteoarthritis usually affects the hands, feet, spine, | | | | which specifically targets an enzyme (COX-2) |
| knees and hips, and is largely related to aging, although | | | | responsible for arthritis inflammation and pain. |
| heredity, injury and overuse can also play a role. The | | | | Celebrex is commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis, and |
| most common osteoarthritis symptoms are pain, | | | | is less likely to cause stomach problems than traditional |
| swelling, warmth and stiffness in the effected joint. | | | | arthritis NSAIDs, although it does have occasional side |
| Affected joints may "crunch" or lock as the bones rub | | | | effects. It is also available as generic Celebrex |
| together. As the condition progresses, the joint | | | | (celecoxib). Mobic (generic meloxicam) and Voltaren |
| becomes enlarged, and may develop bony spurs. | | | | (generic diclofenac) are other popular prescription |
| Symptoms vary between individuals and may come | | | | arthritis medications. Voltaren is also available as a |
| and go, with some people experiencing years between | | | | topical diclofenac gel. |
| flare ups. Some people experience little pain despite | | | | The next level of treatment could involve injecting a |
| obvious joint degeneration on x-rays, while others | | | | corticosteroid into the affected joint, which can help |
| experience severe arthritis pain from the onset. | | | | ease inflammation and pain for weeks or months. |
| Osteoarthritis diagnosis can be made through simple | | | | Durolane (hyaluronic acid) is another arthritis injection |
| identification of typical hard, bony enlargements of the | | | | prescription medication approved by the FDA for the |
| joints, such as the top joint of the finger (called a | | | | treatment of mild to moderate arthritis of the knee. It is |
| Heberden's node), or through x-rays, bone scans, | | | | a viscosupplementation (lubricating) arthritis medication |
| joint fluid analysis, or a surgical technique called | | | | sold in a pre-filled single use syringe, and provides up to |
| arthroscopy which uses a viewing tube to look inside | | | | six months of pain relief. |
| of the joint. | | | | Arthritis sufferers who fail to achieve relief through |
| Unfortunately, there is no specific osteoarthritis | | | | more conservative medical treatments like weight loss, |
| treatment to halt or reverse this progressive disease. | | | | moderate exercise, NSAIDS, topical creams and |
| Patients are advised to rest sore joints to decrease | | | | corticosteroid and hyaluronic injections may be |
| stress and swelling and the resulting pain. Moderate | | | | candidates for surgery such as hip or knee |
| exercise can be helpful in retaining movement of the | | | | replacements. |
| joint and strengthening the muscles around it. | | | | |