Osteoarthritis – A common form of joint pain

As in most other countries, in Sri Lanka too, most people suffer from osteoarthritis which is a common form of joint pain. Identified as the most common type of arthritis, it is seen especially among older people.

Medical specialists point out that osteoarthritis mostly affects cartilage, the hard but slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. They explain that in osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wear away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.

Osteoarthritis most often occurs in the hands (at the ends of the fingers and thumbs), spine (neck and lower back), knees and hips.

People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and some movement limitations. It is significant that unlike certain other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joint function and does not affect skin tissue, the lungs, the eyes, or the blood vessels.

Although osteoarthritis is more common among older people, younger people too can develop it – usually as a result of a joint injury, a joint malformation, or a genetic defect in joint cartilage. Also both males and females can suffer from osteoarthritis. It is more likely to occur in people who are overweight and in those with jobs that stress particular joints.

Research reports state that based on the scientific proof from many studies, Rosehip has been shown to help reduce joint cartilage damage, scavenge tissue damaging free radicals from joint fluid, and support joint cartilage repair.

Rosehips are the ripe, fresh fruit of ‘Rosa Canina,’ popularly known as Dog Rose. It has been revealed that rosehip has an above-average concentration of Vitamin C and other compounds that slow down the rather common disease of osteoarthritis, which is a common form of joint pain.

Clinical trials by European researchers, who tested rosehip powder, found that it was most effective at reducing pains and was an acceptable treatment for osteoarthritis. Several other countries have tested the product, resulting in very positive results.