What You Can Do

You don't have to suffer. There are many ways to find relief

By Alice Park Monday, Dec. 09, 2002

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    ACUPUNCTURE: The Chinese believe it relieves pain by re-aligning life energy, known as qi; but Western doctors think the judicious placement of needles may actually work by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's own painkillers

    GLUCOSAMINE: Preliminary evidence suggests that these supplements, derived from lobster and crab shells, may help relieve arthritis pain, possibly by encouraging cartilage growth

    CHONDROITIN SULFATE: Chondroitin is believed to help keep cartilage from breaking down; many arthritis sufferers take it with glucosamine --By Alice Park

    PREVENTION While there is no guarantee that anything you do will prevent osteoarthritis, here are some steps you can take to keep your cartilage as healthy as possible

    KEEP MOVING: Flexing joints lubricates and protects them, so exercise regularly. But avoid high-stress activities that pound on knees or hips

    STAY SLIM: Carrying too much weight puts extraordinary stress on the knees, hips and ankles. Shed excess pounds to take a load off the joints

    BUILD MUSCLE: Joints need a strong support system; maintaining muscle tone will help stabilize knees, hips and shoulders

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