Rheumatologists Reveal Warnings About Certain Osteoarthritis Symptoms

(Newswire.net — April 4, 2017) Orlando, FL — Today, roughly 27 million individuals in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis. One of the best ways to know if the condition is developing is to learn about the symptoms associated with it.

Rheumatologists reveal warnings about certain osteoarthritis symptoms that people should be aware of. There are many individuals who are already suffering from osteoarthritis but have not been diagnosed yet. Sufferers should see their healthcare provider or a rheumatologist for early diagnosis and treatment.

According to Roy Altman, MD, a Professor of Rheumatology in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), pain is most often the reason why sufferers go to a healthcare provider for osteoarthritis treatment.

Pain is the most common symptom of any type of osteoarthritis. Pain doesn’t just affect the physical health of sufferers, but may also cause anxiety and depression. Sufferers often take antidepressants as these medications seem to have pain-relieving effects.

Other symptoms are stiffness, muscle weakness, deformed joints, and reduced range of motion. Stiffness often comes with pain, and it may disrupt sleep. One of the best remedies for stiffness is heat therapy, which can help relax the muscles and loosen the joints.

Muscle weakness may be remedied by engaging in gentle weight training and aerobic exercise, which may strengthen the muscles that surround the arthritic joint. These exercises may also provide the joint with more support.

Individuals with arthritis may also suffer from swelling, which occurs when the tendons and muscles surrounding the affected joint are inflamed. Rest is one of the best options for swelling as it can give the arthritic joint a chance to recover.

When the range of motion of sufferers is impacted, they become unable to fully extend their legs or arms. Arthritis fingers even tend to curl in, and straightening them may be painful. Range of motion can often be restored through physical therapy. As osteoarthritis progresses, the joints get deformed. In cases of deformed joints, surgery is typically the last-resort option.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used by arthritis sufferers to address many of these symptoms. However, since these medications may lead to side effects, there are those who turn to the use of safer, natural alternatives.

Curcumin is a popular natural alternative for these pain medications. Curcumin is a phytochemical found in the ancient spice called turmeric. Curcumin is believed to contain anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antibiotic properties and many other unique substances.

Curcumin supplements are often considered to be strong anti-inflammatories, and are a safe alternative to many pain medications.

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