Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease,is the most common form of arthritis in adults over 50. Studies have shown it is more prevelent in women than men.It is not however an age discriminator it also occurs in men and women in their 20's and 30's.

The exact causes of osteoarthritis are unknown but may be related to:

• Excessive wear and tear over long periods of time.
• Prior injury to that joint or repeated stress on the joint.
• Obesity
• Heredity

Osteosrthritis has soared right to the top of the list of mobility disabilities.It is this type walking disability that most affect the quality of life for women over 50.

Loss of normal function of the knee joints due to inflammation,swelling and pain is not only a personal health concern, but a public one as well. Slow walking speed and difficulty raising or bending knees is a recipe for disaster.The probability of falls and other accidents increase dramatically.Fractures and further loss of independence, emminent.

Walking Disabilities adversely affect every area of our daily lives.It changes the way we live.The fact is we are afraid to do many of the things we have so enjoyed doing over the years.Fear of falling and not to mention the pain,stiffness and swelling keeps us from enjoying many simple pleasures.

Osteoarthritis of the knee not only affects our ability to walk.Rising or standing from a period of prolonged sitting can also cause extreme pain and hampers our mobility.Standing for extended periods also causes knee joints to swell and become inflammed due to the additional weight and stress on the joint.

Without proper treatments in the advanced stages, generally when all the cartilage is gone and bone is rubbing against bone,quality of life further decreases, as Untreated Osteoarthritis can cause irreversible joint damage.

Some of the most common treatments:

• Anti-inflammatory over the counter and prescription drugs i.e. Advil, Aleve,Celebrex and Vioxx.
• Heat
• Non-Drug Alternatives i.e. Hyalgan and Synvisc
• Low Impact exercise.

In the Osteoarthritis arena we are not all created equal and need to find a treatment plan that best suits your individual and family lifestyle present and future health goals.