The most common form of arthritis afflicting humans is osteoarthritis, often referred to as "degenerative arthritis," because the joints slowly deteriorate as a result of "normal wear and tear associated with aging." Doctors commonly advise people to lose weight, especially if they have disease of the joints of the lower extremities, and to avoid prolonged and strenuous use of the affected joints.
Beyond this commonsense advice, if you see a doctor for a painful joint condition you will almost certainly receive a prescription for a "pain-killer." More specifically, you will be given non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Common, over-the-counter varieties you may be familiar with are Motrin and Advil. Unfortunately, many of these same drugs have been shown to damage the very joints... |