Vitamin D in The Prevention and Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and degenerative condition that almost always worsens over time. The best approach to manage osteoarthritis is through lifestyle changes coupled with natural remedies. Always consult a doctor before settling on any therapy or treatment for osteoarthritis. The following are some tips to manage osteoarthritis that involve changes to your lifestyle and diet and the incorporation of natural remedies for OA.

1. Get regular exercise: Any doctor you visit for OA treatment and management will tell you that regular physical activity and exercise are a must. Exercise helps strengthen your joints, reduce pain and inflammation, and keep you healthier and, therefore, play an important role in managing OA symptoms and helping slow down OA progression.

2. Maintain a healthy weight:Being overweight is linked to faster progression of OA and worsening of symptoms. A research study found that 19.5% of the individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 35-40 range (grade 2 obesity) suffer from knee osteoarthritis when compared to just 3.7% of the individuals who have a healthy BMI in the range of 18.5-25. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the burden on your joints and therefore facilitates better management of OA symptoms.

3. Practice a good, balanced diet:There is a wide range of nutrients that may help reduce the adverse impacts of osteoarthritis, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Eat plenty of protein and healthy carbs and fats along with lots of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting all the essential nutrients that your body needs.

4. Hot and cold compresses:Joint pain, tenderness, and inflammation are the characteristic symptoms of OA, and hot and cold compresses are an excellent way to tackle joint pain and get relief from stiffness and discomfort. The heat from hot compresses helps ease joint stiffness, and cold compresses work best to help manage OA joint pain.

5. Topical creams and ointments:Ask your doctor for topical medications such as creams and ointments to help manage OA-related joint pain and discomfort. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) options that may help relieve pain. Gently massaging the joints may also help increase blood flow to the region and ease stiffness.

6. Epsom salt baths:Epsom salts are high in magnesium content, and therefore, Epsom salt baths may help in reducing joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Mix the Epsom salt in a bath of warm water, and you can take a bath for up to thirty minutes at a time and as often as you prefer since there are no side effects of this treatment.

7. Use support devices:If pain is unbearable and is affecting your ability to move, consider using support devices like canes, braces or shoe inserts to help you improve balance and reduce the burden on your joints.

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