Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis - Differences and Treatments For Both Diseases
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms of potentially debilitating diseases suffered by millions.
While the symptoms may be similar, there are some key differences between the two.
Read on to find out more and which remedies are best to deal with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
We will start with the key differences.
Osteoarthritis is prevalent in people over the age of 50 years old.
An exception to this is people who have excessively strained their joints for a long period of time, such as athletes, footballers and construction workers.
Basically, osteoarthritis is a wear and tear disease.
As the cartilage that supports the joints becomes thinner from excessive use, they become sore and stiff.
Although it can be extremely painful, osteoarthritis is not usually life threatening and there are remedies that can be used to control the pain.
To help reduce joint inflammation, painkillers are usually prescribed.
These, however, will not help much in stopping the progress of the disease, as they only deal with the symptoms.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is a completely different disease.
Unlike its osteoarthritis counterpart, rheumatoid arthritis can strike people of all ages.
The disease is caused by an immune disorder, in which the body's own immune system is attacking parts of the body - joints included.
The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs after a viral disease or a long period of stress.
Up till now, there are no mainstream medications that can completely cure both diseases.
Fortunately, great progress has been made in the alternative medicine front that can provide effective results.
To deal with the disease, regular exercise is recommended.
Exercises can help strengthening the muscles and prevent your joints from becoming even stiffer.
Endorphins are nature's own painkillers and these are released into your system during exercises.
The best exercise that is the least stressful on your joints is swimming.
Apart from regular exercise, taking omega 3 fatty acids can really help reduce the pain and inflammation common to both diseases.
Found in quality fish oil supplements, omega 3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties that not only lubricate the joints, but also reduce the inflammation.
Increasing your consumption of omega 3 rich fish oil should be an important part of how you manage the diseases.
There you have it - the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and the best remedy to help deal with both.
To find out more about the health benefits of fish oil supplements and how they can help alleviate your arthritis suffering, take a look at my website.
While the symptoms may be similar, there are some key differences between the two.
Read on to find out more and which remedies are best to deal with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
We will start with the key differences.
Osteoarthritis is prevalent in people over the age of 50 years old.
An exception to this is people who have excessively strained their joints for a long period of time, such as athletes, footballers and construction workers.
Basically, osteoarthritis is a wear and tear disease.
As the cartilage that supports the joints becomes thinner from excessive use, they become sore and stiff.
Although it can be extremely painful, osteoarthritis is not usually life threatening and there are remedies that can be used to control the pain.
To help reduce joint inflammation, painkillers are usually prescribed.
These, however, will not help much in stopping the progress of the disease, as they only deal with the symptoms.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is a completely different disease.
Unlike its osteoarthritis counterpart, rheumatoid arthritis can strike people of all ages.
The disease is caused by an immune disorder, in which the body's own immune system is attacking parts of the body - joints included.
The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs after a viral disease or a long period of stress.
Up till now, there are no mainstream medications that can completely cure both diseases.
Fortunately, great progress has been made in the alternative medicine front that can provide effective results.
To deal with the disease, regular exercise is recommended.
Exercises can help strengthening the muscles and prevent your joints from becoming even stiffer.
Endorphins are nature's own painkillers and these are released into your system during exercises.
The best exercise that is the least stressful on your joints is swimming.
Apart from regular exercise, taking omega 3 fatty acids can really help reduce the pain and inflammation common to both diseases.
Found in quality fish oil supplements, omega 3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties that not only lubricate the joints, but also reduce the inflammation.
Increasing your consumption of omega 3 rich fish oil should be an important part of how you manage the diseases.
There you have it - the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and the best remedy to help deal with both.
To find out more about the health benefits of fish oil supplements and how they can help alleviate your arthritis suffering, take a look at my website.