can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.

The University of Maryland's Medical Website states:

"Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.

In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, o

The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, as do treatment options. Osteoarthritis pain relief is the goal of most treatment plans, although preventing further deterioration of the cartilage protecting the joints is also a primary concern. Here we have an overview of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as nutritional options for osteoarthritis pain relief.

It is important to note that joint pain should be evaluated by a physician. Joint pain and progressive stiffness, without the presence of fever probably indicates the onset of osteoarthritis, but joint pain is also found in other forms of arthritis and in other diseases, so professional evaluation is advisable.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can range from daily and disabling to minor and intermittent. Some patients may experience years of pain free intervals, while others spend years searching for effective osteoarthritis pain relief.

The most common symptom is pain in a joint after repetitive use. For example, a person who has been hiking for years may suddenly experience pain in one knee that is not related to a fall, sprain or other injury. Examination by X-ray may show deterioration of the cartilage that prevents the joints from grinding against each other.

Joint pain typically worsens as the day wears on. Long periods of inactivity, such as taking a car trip or sitting through a movie can lead to stiffness and pain.

If the cartilage cushions are completely lost, there can be pain associated with any activity or even at rest.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and ankles) sometimes include limping or outward curvature of the knees (bow legged). When other measures do not provide osteoarthritis pain relief or if the cartilage in the knees or hips deteriorates to the point of joint dysfunction, surgery to “replace” the affected joint is sometimes necessary. The most common reason for “total knee replacement” in the United States is osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine include neck and lower back pain. Bony spurs may form along the spine irritating the nerves and causing severe pain or numbness and tingling.

Bunions are symptoms of osteoarthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. If the joints of the fingers are affected, they may become enlarged and spurs may form. If the disease progresses, it can be difficult to perform simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt.

Recent surveys have shown that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly used over the counter medication for osteoarthritis pain relief. Interestingly, acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory, and it is inflammation in the joints that causes the pain. In addition, many people are unaware that excessive regular use of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Other prescription and non-prescription pain relievers can have serious side effects, as well.

Clinical research has shown that regular daily supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and an extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.

The University of Maryland's Medical Website states:

"Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.

In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, o

. Some patients may experience years of pain free intervals, while others spend years searching for effective osteoarthritis pain relief.

The most common symptom is pain in a joint after repetitive use. For example, a person who has been hiking for years may suddenly experience pain in one knee that is not related to a fall, sprain or other injury. Examination by X-ray may show deterioration of the cartilage that prevents the joints from grinding against each other.

Joint pain typically worsens as the day wears on. Long periods of inactivity, such as taking a car trip or sitting through a movie can lead to stiffness and pain.

If the cartilage cushions are completely lost, there can be pain associated with any activity or even at rest.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and ankles) sometimes include limping or outward curvature of the knees (bow legged). When other measures do not provide osteoarthritis pain relief or if the cartilage in the knees or hips deteriorates to the point of joint dysfunction, surgery to “replace” the affected joint is sometimes necessary. The most common reason for “total knee replacement” in the United States is osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine include neck and lower back pain. Bony spurs may form along the spine irritating the nerves and causing severe pain or numbness and tingling.

Bunions are symptoms of osteoarthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. If the joints of the fingers are affected, they may become enlarged and spurs may form. If the disease progresses, it can be difficult to perform simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt.

Recent surveys have shown that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly used over the counter medication for osteoarthritis pain relief. Interestingly, acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory, and it is inflammation in the joints that causes the pain. In addition, many people are unaware that excessive regular use of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Other prescription and non-prescription pain relievers can have serious side effects, as well.

Clinical research has shown that regular daily supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and an extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.

The University of Maryland's Medical Website states:

"Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.

In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, o

ptoms of osteoarthritis in the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and ankles) sometimes include limping or outward curvature of the knees (bow legged). When other measures do not provide osteoarthritis pain relief or if the cartilage in the knees or hips deteriorates to the point of joint dysfunction, surgery to “replace” the affected joint is sometimes necessary. The most common reason for “total knee replacement” in the United States is osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the spine include neck and lower back pain. Bony spurs may form along the spine irritating the nerves and causing severe pain or numbness and tingling.

Bunions are symptoms of osteoarthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe. If the joints of the fingers are affected, they may become enlarged and spurs may form. If the disease progresses, it can be difficult to perform simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt.

Recent surveys have shown that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly used over the counter medication for osteoarthritis pain relief. Interestingly, acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory, and it is inflammation in the joints that causes the pain. In addition, many people are unaware that excessive regular use of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Other prescription and non-prescription pain relievers can have serious side effects, as well.

Clinical research has shown that regular daily supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and an extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.

The University of Maryland's Medical Website states:

"Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.

In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, o

ed, they may become enlarged and spurs may form. If the disease progresses, it can be difficult to perform simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt.

Recent surveys have shown that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most commonly used over the counter medication for osteoarthritis pain relief. Interestingly, acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory, and it is inflammation in the joints that causes the pain. In addition, many people are unaware that excessive regular use of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Other prescription and non-prescription pain relievers can have serious side effects, as well.

Clinical research has shown that regular daily supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and an extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.

The University of Maryland's Medical Website states:

"Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.

In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, o

can provide effective osteoarthritis pain relief, without any detrimental side effects.

The University of Maryland's Medical Website states:

"Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis."

Omega 3 occurs naturally in the diet, but most people do not obtain the proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats through diet alone. The immune system uses omega 6 fats to create compounds that increase inflammation, while omega 3 is used to make compounds that decrease inflammation.

In addition to providing osteoarthritis pain relief, omega 3 fatty acids may prevent further deterioration of the cartilage cushions. Laboratory research has shown that omega 3s inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage.

Long considered a natural part of the aging process, it now appears likely that symptoms of osteoarthritis may be avoidable. Although heredity may be a factor, maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular moderate physical activity and increasing intake of omega 3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of developing the disease.