Outsmart osteoarthritis: suffer no more with arthritis pain. Using one or more of these supplements may help you reduce or discontinue dangerous drugs--and possibly even avoid or delay surgery.(THE LEADING EDGE: INNOVATIVE & FRESH SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU LIVE BETTER)

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis affects an estimated 27 million Americans. This painful condition develops when there is a breakdown, of cartilage in the joints.

Osteoarthritis can occur with age, or it can be caused by a joint injury or stress on the joints from a specific job, sport, or being overweight. Over time, some people experience extreme inflammation and permanent damage to the joint. The joint may even need to be surgically replaced.

The High Price of Pain Relief

The primary approach of conventional medicine is to manage osteoarthritis pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drags (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx. These drags block the activity of enzymes and prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation, but they do not alleviate the underlying cause of osteoarthritis; they also have dangerous side effects. The COX enzymes impede beneficial prostaglandin production, which can impair circulation, particularly to the stomach and the connective tissue. These enzymes and prostaglandins are important for other functions in the body including blood flow and digestion. Health problems can occur when their activity is blocked. NSAID use has been shown to cause life-threatening ulcers, as well as side effects such as diarrhea, headaches, and nausea. Surprisingly, long-term use of NSAIDs also damages joint cartilage, making osteoarthritis much worse over time.

The introduction of the COX-2 inhibitors was meant to reduce ulcers and digestive issues associated with NSAID use. Unfortunately, the side effects of COX-2 inhibitors are even more dangerous and include risk of heart attack. As a result of these side effects, Vioxx was taken off the market in 2004. Celebrex is another popular COX-2 inhibitor that may carry the same risks.

Osteoarthritis is a prime example of the significant need for safe natural alternatives to OTC and prescription drugs. Many natural alternatives can alleviate pain while working on the underlying cause. Some natural substances have been studied for decades and are proven to promote joint health. While many of these natural substances don't provide immediate relief, they have been scientifically proven to protect and repair joint tissue.

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