Go easy on your joints

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15. In 2006, 46 million or nearly 1 in 5 adults were reported to have arthritis or chronic joint disorder.

Arthritis isn’t just one disease; it’s a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative arthritis because it involves the breakdown of cartilage and bones. This causes pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis usually affects the fingers and weight-bearing joints. It affects both men and women and usually occurs after age 45.

Most people over age 60 have osteoarthritis to some degree, but its severity varies and some people develop more severe symptoms than others.

Rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age but usually appears between the ages of 20 and 50. In rheumatoid arthritis, a fault in the body's defense or immune system causes inflammation that begins in the joint lining and then damages both cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men.

These forms of arthritis have different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body. Yet they all share a common symptom - persistent joint pain. The joint pain of arthritis can appear as hip pain, knee pain, hand pain or wrist pain as well as joint pain in other areas of the body. If you have joint pain, stiffness and swelling for more than two weeks, chances are you have arthritis.

Treatment is often more effective when arthritis symptoms are caught early. The good news is that there are now many medications available for arthritis. Most are relatively safe and well tolerated.

Phosoplex is the No. 1 choice among health care professionals because it is all natural and safe. It is an excellent alternative to potentially dangerous pharmaceutical COX2 inhibitors. It also contains the highest quality ingredients found in joint care supplements. For more information, go to www.phosoplex.com.

So if you're still in your 20s and you’re as healthy as a horse, go easy on your joints because the last thing you need is to suffer as you get older. nnn