Osteoarthritis affects almost an eighth of population and is certainly the most popular form of arthritis. Most of us will sooner or later suffer from it. This form of arthritis attacks the cartilage, causing pain and preventing joints from moving.

Osteoarthritis, just as all other forms of arthritis, can’t be cured. Fortunately for those affected, it can be now kept in check and prevented, provided that you take the right steps before the situation aggravates.

Staying fit and in good shape is the first thing everyone suffering from osteoarthritis should do. There are three main reasons for that. First, you have to keep your joints from doing more than they can - and being overweight puts an enormous stress on the joints and speed up the cartilage loss. Then, joints work less hard if they are supported by strong muscles. Finally, a good diet will keep your body much less prone to osteoarthritis attacks.

Heat and cold are another means you can use to bring some relief. They are a very effective way of decreasing pain. Heat in a form of a shower or a hot bath are best used in the morning or in the evening is a very effective pain reliever as it increases the blood flow. However, do not use it on sore joints - apply cold instead. Heat will only make the problem worse.

Heat and cold however, are not always enough to eliminate the pain. If necessary, it is ok to opt for prescription-free drugs. However, if you decide to ask your doctor for something stronger, remember to learn about the side effects and be very wary when you use them. The last thing you need is endangering your health because of too strong painkillers.

The second best thing that slows down the osteoarthritis is Omega-3 fatty acids. They are second only to frequent exercises. The only problem is that these nutrients are naturally found only in a few kinds of fish and in flax, making it very difficult to compose a healthy and varied diet capable of providing enough Omega-3 fatty acids. While Mediterraneans are generally able to get enough seafood to do it, North Americans most often rely on Omega Daily and other similar supplements to get enough Omega-3 fatty acids to lessen the impact of arthritis on their lives.

To sum everything up: stay in shape, eat a lot of Omega-3 fatty acids and keep thew pain in check with as few medications as possible. This will reduce the risk of the joint’s overstress and increases the ability to withstand inevitable cartilage loss.

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