The most common type of arthritis, osteo arthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) strikes over 16 million Americans, and is a major cause of disability among older individuals. Typically osteo arthritis presents as pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints such as the hip, hand, and knee or spine, but it may affect other joints as well. Women run a higher risk of developing osteo arthritis than men, and other risk factors include heredity, excess weight, joint injury, and hormonal imbalances.1

Although many people associate osteo arthritis with the "natural" wear and tear of joint cartilage, there are actually a variety of physiological factors that play an important role in the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of this condition. Recently, investigators have strongly emphasized the importance of working to undo actual degenerative mechanisms in the body rather than simply treating symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics.

The following Genova Diagnostics assessments offer important clinical insight into the dysfunctional mechanisms underlying the development and progression of osteo arthritis.

Osteo arthritis and Bone Resorption: Two collagen cross links measured in the urine assess the impact of osteo arthritis upon bone tissue.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of bone cartilage.

Osteo arthritis and Menopause: Many researchers believe that osteo arthritis in women is triggered by hormonal imbalances in the period following menopause.

Osteo arthritis and Oxidative Stress: Free radicals often mediate the destruction of joint tissue characteristic of osteo arthritis.

Osteo arthritis and Fatty Acids: Inflammatory processes in osteo arthritis can be severely exacerbated by fatty acid imbalances.

Osteo arthritis and Cardiovascular Health: Osteo arthritis places individuals at greater risk for heart disease. A new bio marker, C-reactive protein, serves as an early warning marker for both osteo arthritis and heart disease.

Osteo arthritis and Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino acids are crucial for optimal health of the musculoskeletal system.

Osteo arthritis and Gastrointestinal Health: Chronic use of NSAIDS to treat osteo arthritis can severely damage the gastrointestinal mucosa.

References:
1 Brandt K, Doherty M, Lohmander L, eds. Osteo arthritis. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

Teresa Rispoli has her Ph.D. in Nutrition, is a licensed Acupuncturist and clinical researcher. She has been in practice for well over 25 years. It is through her clinical practice that she has gained insights into chronic health conditions. If you are suffering from unexplained symptoms that come and go you owe it to yourself to find out why. Find out today call for a Nutritional Consultation with Dr. Rispoli.

Your happiness is a reflection of your health call today For an appointment, contact her office at (800) 956-7083 or (818) 707-3125.

We also offer Functional Laboratory tests that can be done through the mail in the privacy of your home to help determine why you are having these symptoms. For more information on these click on lab tests.