Prevalence

Osteoarthritis is uncommon in people under the age of 45. It usually only effects one or a few joints and multiple joint osteoarthritis is rare. As a person's age increases to 65 and up, at least 50% of people have signs of osteoarthritis in at least one joint on x-rays.

Symptoms

Although osteoarthritis is common, symptoms can range from joint pain and swelling to experiencing no symptoms whatsoever. In fact, most people do not even know they have it as they do not have any symptoms. Joint pain if left untreated, can eventually lead to impairment of the joint and even the ability to function with that joint. Pain can occur not only from the joint but also from several sites in and around the joint. The severity of pain and functional impairment are affected by anxiety, depression, and daily activity. In addition, sometimes the bones can make noises when moved (called crepitus), they can also enlarge and deform. This can lead to decreased mobility of the joint and ultimately a loss of function of the joint.

Risk factors

Age - Osteoarthritis is strongly related to age. The older a person becomes, the more likely they will suffer from osteoarthritis. However, believe it or not, developing osteoarthritis is not necessarily a consequence of aging. It will often occur when a person has had cumulative injury to a joint.

Sex - Females are more likely to have osteoarthritis of the hand and knee, and overall symptoms. Remember that symptoms are often not present with this condition.

Ethnic group - There appear to be some differences between ethnic groups that are genetically based and not culturally based. For example, osteoarthritis of the hip is uncommon in black and Asian populations compared with white populations.

Individual risk factors - There are risk factors that are unique to an individual. For example, if a person is obese or overweight, he or she is more likely to get osteoarthritis, particularly of the knees

Testing

X-rays are the best way to assess the presence of osteoarthritis. Typically there is cartilage loss and joint space narrowing with the presence of spurs.

Treatment

Weight reduction is necessary if the person is overweight or obese. XtraHealth's SlimRx can help to maintain normal body weight and thus may help to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis in those patients where the disease is related to obesity. Often times the knees become arthritic due to the presence of extra weight. SlimRx may help to decrease a person's body weight and indirectly help lower their risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Exercise is important but it must be controlled. Increasing strength and aerobic fitness has been shown to be beneficial to osteoarthritic joints. Also the use of appropriate footwear and walking aids and devices is recommended.

Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are typically used for osteoarthritis, although many believe that these drugs do not affect progression of osteoarthritis. In addition, these drugs can have many side effects.

Therefore, Osteoarthritis can be difficult to treat. This is why Supplement Doctors has designed the XtraHealth product brand called Flexi-Joint. Flexi-Joint contains all natural, safe ingredients that may improve joint mobility and promote healthy joint function. Flexi-Joint was designed with a triple action approach. It contains natural, effective ingredients to assist in the repair and maintenance of cartilage, to lubricate the joint and to help reduce any inflammation. Because it has a wide spectrum approach, we believe Flexi-Joint to be the most effective joint health supplement on the market today.

USE XTRAHEALTH FLEXI-JOINT EACH AND EVERY DAY FOR YOUR BACK, NECK AND ALL OF YOUR BODY'S JOINTS