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Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that slowly develops in the latter half of life. This is usually part of the aging process affecting the older population. The possible cause of osteoarthritis is impaired circulation. Treatment therefore for this type of arthritis is directed towards the general improvement of the circulation as well as the joints. Causative factors that predispose people to osteoarthritis include obesity or excessive body weight, injuries and overexertion that result into increased pressure on the joint cartilages. Heredity also plays an important role. The joints mostly affected with osteoarthritis are the hips, spine, knees and fingers joints.

The cartilage in osteoarthritis undergoes degeneration or thinning. The bone in some parts of the joint also undergoes degeneration but at the same time there is an overproduction of bony tissues in other parts. The overproduction of the bony tissues is one of the prominent features of osteoarthritis. For this reason, osteoarthritis is alternatively called "hypertrophic arthritis". The overproduced bony tissues create spurs around the joint margins resulting into a limited joint motion. Overtime the reduced motion may worsen and later on, the joint may become immovable. In osteoarthritis, the joint is seldom inflamed although it may be irregularly enlarged. It can go on for years almost without a symptom even in many severe cases. Often the only symptom seen is the limited motion. Pain most often occurs only when the joint is subjected to sudden strain and a direct blow or injury.

Here are some helpful tips to follow if a person is suffering from osteoarthritis:

1. For painful joints, the use of dry heat applied half an hour or more at least three times a day will be beneficial.

2. The affected joint should be free from any injury. Take special care not to subject that joint to any forms of strain. The joints should not be bent too far enough as to create pain however faulty postures should be corrected as much as possible. It is always important not to cause pain this is the reason why caution should be taken when doing a massage or a passive exercise. Motions that cause pain can be prevented with the use splints or casts.

3. Fatigue and overexertion should be avoided as much as possible especially when performing activities that involve the affected joints.

4. Obese or overweight individuals should strive to attain a normal weight.

5. Patients whose joints in the lower spine and hips are affected should allow a few hours of rest. This can be done by lying down for more hours of the day than usual. This will provide some relief from pressure on the affected joints.

6. Good habits that will improve the person's general health should be practiced. These should include implementation of correct posture that will improve the body mechanics and a good exercise regimen that will increase the muscle power.

A person may assume that having osteoarthritis indicates he is nearing old age and although still young he may fear that he has passed the prime of his life. He may fight against this idea and in doing so disregards any symptoms felt in order to prove that he is not getting old. He needs to understand and become willing to accept the way of life consistent with his reduced capacities. Following this new lifestyle will enable him to lengthen his productive usefulness and even live a normal span of life.