Osteoarthritis occurs in knee joints. The knee joint is the largest of all the body’s joints. A knee is hinged to a shin bone and to a thigh bone for a rather complicated ball-in-socket action. It bears the body’s weight during movement and withstands twisting or turning motions as a result of daily activities. To stand still, knee joints must lock in position, but when walking, joints act as a hinge that allows free movement of the legs. The knees are the most commonly affected by arthritis which account for the various treatments available to patients. A glucosamine treatment of osteoarthritis is among the many dietary-based protocols for the management of the condition.
Treating osteoarthritis in the knee usually begins on a self-help level that may be managed by a nutritionist, doctor, holistic professional or the patient himself. These methods include dietary changes, exercise, physical therapies, and non-prescription pain relief. Doctors stress the importance of weight loss, for those who carry excess pounds.
Another benefit of dietary management is through the addition of important nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, C, E and magnesium. Adding glucosamine and chondroitin to a daily supplement plan is very common. Since cartilage contains these compounds, many people have found joint relief by taking a glucosamine treatment of osteoarthritis along with other supplements. It takes time for the nutrients to be absorbed into the joints and to begin repairing any problems.
The supplements are generally safe and present no side effects. Another way of treating osteoarthritis in the knee that works well in conjunction with a natural approach is through exercise or therapy. Therapy or exercise to strengthen the quadriceps is very important in helping relieve continued pain and pressure on the joints. Hydrotherapy or water exercises are a good way to develop the front thigh muscles without causing further damage to the joints. Pool or swimming therapy has long been used for those who should not put undue stress on joints and bones but still need an efficient workout.
Exercises that isolate the quadriceps can be used to strengthen these very important muscles. If a patient’s movements are restricted due to constant pain, prescription drugs and injections are usually administered to lessen inflammation, swelling, stiffness and discomfort. Sometimes, surgery is recommended for treating osteoarthritis in the knee in those who are becoming increasingly immobile.
Women are more likely than men to suffer with cartilage degeneration in the knees, especially later in life. If you are at risk, adhere to a preventive lifestyle that includes appropriate exercise, the addition of supplements to the diet such as glucosamine treatment of osteoarthritis, effective weight management and periodic checkups to determine an early onset of the disease
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