As a result the patient experiences pain while walking and standing. Osteoarthritis of knee and hips is very common in people both men and women who are above the age of 65. Also sometimes younger people get osteoarthritis because of joint injuries. In US studies show that after the age of 45 men are more affected with osteoarthritis than women. Osteoarthritis is also caused by deficiency of female hormones, genetic factors and deficiency of vitamins like A,C, D and E.
The cartilage of synovial joints in knee and hips serves the two most important functions. It provides a smooth weight-bearing surface and serves as a shock absorber. The Synovial joints in obese people function under almost continual mechanical stress. When the stress is too great, the joint’s ability to resist this stress is compromised, physical changes occur in the cartilage covering the bones. Also in obese people the bones are dense as a result of which the bones provides less shock absorbing functions than thinner bones giving more pressure on the cartilage.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The word is derived from the Greek word "osteo", meaning "of the bone", "arthro", meaning "joint", and "itis", meaning inflammation. Nearly 2 million people in United States are suffering from osteoarthritis of knee and hips because the in USA half of the population is obese. Osteoarthritis causes loss of mobility mostly in very overweight people as joints are put under greater load pressure.
To determine Osteoarthritis of knee and hips a simple weight-bearing x-ray and examination is conducted by a skilled orthopedic doctor. Time-consuming and costly diagnostic procedures are not time consuming neither costly. Aggravated condition leads to complete knee and hip replacement.
There is no cure for Osteoarthritis of knee and hips. A treatment program of medicines, ice treatments, exercise, and rehabilitation are sometimes very effective in reducing symptoms and improving mobility. Medicines like coated aspirin help relieve pain. There is no evidence that any specific foods will put a check or reduce arthritis. It is advised that you should check your weight as much as possible because excessive weight intensifies osteoarthritis by putting added pressure on the knee and hips. Prolonged days of inactivity increases stiffness and make it harder to move around. It is advised to do easy exercises every day. Losing weight will definitely make you feel good. Even if you loose just 10 pounds that is 4.5 kg can prevent osteoarthritis in knees and hips.
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