Patients are often unaware that they have osteoarthritis, since the symptoms develop gradually, only to be discovered when joints swell or there is discomfort and pain after a period of inactivity.

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a wear and tear disease of the joints typically seen in the older adult (usually over 60 years of age). Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, affects the elderly in various parts of the body such as the knees, hips, hands and even the spine.

Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease process. Very often the doctor will, if osteoarthritis is found, make various recommendations to the patient that will help them to cope with both the pain and maintenance of the disease.

But whether you suffer from osteoarthritis ("wear and tear" of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints) or gout (excess uric acid that accumulate in the joints), relief from your arthritis pain is available.

Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

Although there are effective pain relief drugs prescribed for osteoarthritis, natural pain relief if safer and just as effective. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate combined together are excellent supplements in the fight against arthritis pain: they are said to increase mobility, reduce osteoarthritis pain and form the building blocks for cartilage growth.

Silicon can prevent joint deterioration and heal cartilage. Good sources of Silicon that calcifies and strengthen bones are wholegrain cereals, oats, barley, and root vegetables. Alternate medication, home remedies, liniments, gels, and creams used to help lessen pain require patience and belief.

Prevention

Prevention of the disease can help. If osteoarthritis runs in the family, the best preventive measure would be to follow a healthy lifestyle and a regular exercise program. Medication has to follow the course of the disease.

Sportspersons are more predisposed to osteoarthritis because they tend to put too much of pressure on particular parts of their bones and joints. Playing sport uses a lot of repetitive movements which can, in time, 'wear out' the joint.

Diagnosis

Don't try and diagnose yourself. If you have any pain in the joints visit your doctor. There are different types of arthritis which need different treatment and medication.

There are several methods your doctor or rheumatologist will use to diagnose your type of arthritis. For instance, knee osteoarthritis is diagnosed through physical and pathological examinations of joints on either side of knee including hip joints and checking on posture and gait.

Other Options

Once the disease sets into the advanced mode, hip replacement surgery or arthroplasty is advised to help cure the pain and improve mobility.

The Future

Increasing levels of this disease mean that within two decades it is possible that around 20% of aged people in the US will be suffering with this condition. As the baby boomers age, more and more people will be experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis. To offset this, more and more is becoming known about natural arthritis medication and natural arthritis treatments.