Osteoarthritis -- How is it Affecting the Aging US Population? Part 2 by Kamau Austin

In our first post in this series we explored one of the most prevalent forms of arthritis called Osteoarthritis. It will affect more and more maturing people throughout the world (especially the west) as those populations age.

We also gave an idea of what osteoarthritis is and why it can be so debilitating. In this blog today we wanted to focus on the symptoms of Osteoarthritis.

One of the major symptoms of this disease is the swelling of the joints due to result of water retention. The cartilage in your joints may retain water. This brings about changes in the bone underlying the cartilage (called the subchondral bone).

This is especially noticeable the joints which bear the weight of the body, for example knees and hips. OA results from an inflammation of the joints; this is also called joint incongruity.

This is a particularly painful condition which hampers the movement of the afflicted joint to a large extent. Physicians predict a very strong connection between OA and heredity.

Obesity is another major risk factor which contributes to this disorder. This is because the weight bearing joints (knees, hips) of an overweight person would have to function under greater pressure.

As the body grows older, the cartilage component of our skeletal framework gradually loses its ability to repair itself. Thus, OA has come to be largely associated with aging. Some scientists predict that nutrition (or lack of it) may also be a contributing factor. Supplements like Phosoplex are gaining popularity with helping to offset this condition.

In the next post in this series we will discuss how the lack of certain minerals can predispose us to Osteoarthritis. Until then stay fit and healthy.