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Understanding Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Disclaimer: Elise Ho, aka “Dr. Ho” is a Holistic Health & Life Coach. Dr. Ho is NOT a medical doctor, licensed therapist, lawyer, or a bevy of other things. Products or services that Dr. Ho believes in are the only ones that she recommends. Dr. Ho may receive compensation, product, or an affiliate commission on anything you see on this site. This is a personal Website solely reflecting Dr. Ho’s personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of any organization with which I may be affiliated.

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Understanding Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

With 50 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis, it is extremely important it is extremely important to understand the disease and the pain that this disease can bring.

Arthritis is a musculoskeletal disease which causes the joints to be inflamed, or swollen. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, arthritis comes in many forms. These include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia.

Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear arthritis.” This name is due to the fact that it occurs when cartilage wears down.

This protective and flexible tissue found in the joints is meant to allow for normal function. It allows a soft gliding motion that protects the body against shocks. Osteoarthritis is generally considered an older person’s disease but it can affect younger people too. Additionally, those that suffer from this disease often have bone spurs.

According to The Arthritis & Glucosamine Information Center, “more than half of the population age 65 or older would show x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint.” They go on to state that “Before age 45, more men than women have osteoarthritis, whereas, after age 45, it is more common in women.”

Osteoarthritis Pain Management

Achieve, and maintain, your ideal weight in order to help alleviate pain caused by arthritis. According to researcher Stephen P. Messier, Ph.D. each pound of excess weight adds an extra four pounds of pressure.  Additionally, Messier states that “The accumulated reduction in knee load for a 1-pound loss in weight would be more than 4,800 pounds per mile walked.”

With proper rest, hydration, diet, and exercise weight loss, and maintenance can be achieved.

Do not avoid exercise when dealing with arthritis. Include strength training and aerobics in your exercise routine and build up the muscles that support the knee. Do not go on any hard surface runs. Due to the fact that the pain of this disease is often experienced in this common joint, it is a good idea to hire a personal trainer to help determine which exercises are best.

A diet that includes plenty of water is of benefit for joint lubrication.

Foods of benefit include fruit, most vegetables, nuts, and flaxseed oil. Fish rich in Omega-3 Oils such as Wild Salmon, Atlantic Mackerel, and sardines are also of great benefit.  Avoid Sugar, refined flour, nightshade vegetables, saturated fats and processed foods.

Glucosamine Sulfate (1500 mg), Vitamin E (600 IU), and Zinc (30 mg) may be helpful. B6 (50 mg), Copper (2mg), Boron (5 mg), flax oil (2 T) and  S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) (200 mg) are also good choices.  Additionally, you may also like to consider fish oil, rose hips and ginger. 

Essential oils, acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic and homeopathic medicine can all be considered in your arthritis treatment.

Post any questions or comments below.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Please use the comment section below to share your tips, questions, and/or thoughts about this post.

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Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho
Ph.D., D.N. Psych.
Behavioral & Mental Health Specialist

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10 thoughts on “Understanding Arthritis and Osteoarthritis”

  1. My husband was walking with a walker. 15 years of arthritis in his knees. Tried it all, no help. These past few days I’ve been applying The Power Strips to his knees and it’s the only thing that has help him to the point where he no longer use his walker. It’s not a cure, but he tells me the pain is 70% better. These strips are made from phytoplankton and other natural herbs and helps the blood circulation to his legs that were getting blue from the lack of it.
    If you are interested I can send you more info and a couple of strips that you can try on someone that may need some relieve from any kind of pain.
    All the information you brought to us all on this blog is super amazing and easy to understand and follow, I want to thank you BIG. Be Blessed.

    1. I would imagine that would be extremely hard for her. Thank you for sharing. Hopefully this article will help her in some way. I will be following up with an article specifically about RA. Perhaps she would like to offer some personal insight and experience.

  2. Joan Harrington

    Great post Elise!! Thank you for sharing understanding arthritis osteoarthritis……learned something new, thank you 🙂

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About The Author

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho is a Holistic Health & Life Coach with a special interest in emotional health, life alignment, and energy flow.

Elise will partner with you to align your mindset, your energy, your home and your career so that you can live your life's desire with freedom and love.

Elise offers 30 years of experience and multiple certifications and degrees including a Ph.D. in Natural Health and a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Psychology.