OSTEOARTHRITIS-A CRIPPLING CONDITION

4 ways to put off joint replacement
Tip #1: Lose weight: For every extra pound you carry, you put about three pounds of additional pressure on your knees and multiply the pressure on your hips by six. If you have arthritis, losing just 15 pounds can cut your knee pain in half.

Tip #2: Take care when using your joints: Poor posture and using the wrong techniques during your daily activities add more stress to damaged joints. By standing up straight instead of slouching, you can protect the joints in your neck, hips, and knees. Also use the proper technique when lifting or carrying anything heavy. If any activity hurts, stop doing it right away.

Tip #3: Try nonsurgical approaches before turning to surgery: Treatment with steroids is one approach. Benefits can last anywhere from four to six months. However, this doesn't work for everyone. Visco supplementation involves injecting a lubricating fluid into damaged knee joints to treat osteoarthritis

Tip #4: Get pain relief: Instead of heading straight to your doctor to treat sore joints, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Take them for the shortest possible time to relieve your discomfort. There is also some evidence that the dietary supplement glucosamine chondroitin can lead to subtle improvements in arthritis pain.