Osteoarthritis -- How is it Affecting the Aging US Population? Part 3 and Conclusion by Kamau Austin

In our first 2 posts in this series we discussed a very prevalent condition that people suffer from in their middle age even if they take good care of themselves called Osteoarthritis or OA. We illustrated some symptoms people with OA experience from the condition.

In today's post we now focus on how minerals can affect OA.

Minerals like calcium and vitamins like C and D are essential in the formation of strong bones. New research is being conducted to find out whether a lack of these elements can contribute to the development of OA as the person grows older.

Some genetic and heredity conditions relating to the skeletal framework may also play role in the onset of OA -- bone dysplasias and charcot joints. Some physicians also point towards the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

If an injured joint has not been properly aligned, the risk of OA increases for that particular joint. There are a couple of occupational factors too which contribute to OA.

Any joint, which is being repetitively used or overworked, is susceptible to OA disease. This is because these tasks also over tax the muscles.

Overtaxing a particular muscle which protects a joint also increases the risk of OA.

Pain is one of the primary symptoms of this disease. The frequency and level of this pain may increase over a period of months, even years.

While it impairs free movement, the condition might also worsen with enforced activity. Doctors strongly advise rest in such cases as the pain usually subsides after a period of inactivity.

OA symptoms also include certain stiffness in the joints in the mornings. However, it does not usually last for more than half an hour. The joint will also feel stiff after a long period of rest but this stiffness would most likely go away after a few minutes.

Exercises, like weight lifting and that intent on strengthening the muscles will also help. Treatment with drugs can only help to relieve the pain. You might also want to apply cold packs to the inflamed joint. Surgery is absolutely the last resort. It includes options like partial or complete joint replacement - these are relatively safe procedures.

The implications of this disease on the ageing US population are quite immense. It was predicted that on the year 2003, almost 70 million Americans suffered from OA and other related disorders.

This number is expected to drastically go up as the 'baby boomer' generation grows older annually. OA has been the cause of 32 million physician visits and has resulted on the hospitalization of over 2.3 million patients.

There isn't any universal cure for Osteoarthritis. However proper supplementation provides a ray of hope in the care of OA. Natural products such as Phosoplex™ available from Amazon or from This Health and Fitness Shop, can actually help to support healthy cartilage, relieve pain and provide lubrication to your joints.