Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis: What's the difference?

MANILA, Philippines - As for any disease, it is crucial to identify the type of arthritis one has before getting treatment. Symptoms usually spell the condition such as pain and stiffness in the case of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

But for a group of diseases that targets the joints, it could be an offshoot of so many things from lifestyle, diet to genetic predisposition. Further examinations are needed to be able to address the cause and prevent greater damage.  

Osteoarthritis represents the wear-and-tear of joint cartilage, which causes bones to rub against each other. A person with this disease may experience joint stiffness in the morning that usually lasts half an hour or less.

Though aging can put one at risk of developing osteoarthritis, other factors are also considered like injury, obesity, overuse of joints, inactivity, and family history.

According to the Department of Health, 11 million Filipinos are suffering from osteoarthritis. Fifty percent of people aged 65 and up are expected to develop the ailment, mostly affecting women. Yet it can happen to anyone at any age, even to children.

On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder wherein healthy cells are being attacked by the immune system, damaging the joints and ligaments, including the spine.

While poor diet and lifestyle can hasten the development of arthritis, heredity also plays a crucial part, especially with rheumatoid arthritis.

As the disease progresses over time, it delivers debilitating, sometimes life-threatening consequences. This is when the supposed guardians of the body, the immune system, attack healthy cells, resulting in fatigue, weight loss, and worse, damage to major organs such as the heart and liver.

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and inflammation. The good news is both conditions can now be helped by an anti-inflammatory nutrient similar but more powerful than Omega-3. It is called Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO), also known as Omega 5.

Hailed as the new and natural anti-aging disease fighter, CMO is an ester of fatty acid that functions like EFAs such as Omega-3 in cell restoration and renewal.

However, researchers found CMO (Omega-5) to be stronger and longer lasting. Aside from these benefits, it also enhances the function of moving joints by acting as a lubricant, while balancing immune system activities such as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Robert Atkins calls CMO as “the real arthritis cure” in his book Vita-Nutrient. CMO is the active component of Oleia Softgel, a natural, safe and effective supplement that helps stop inflammation and pain such as in osteoarthritis and address auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

“The body can’t produce CMO and essential fatty acids (EFAs), which makes Oleia Softgel a perfect supplement to one’s daily diet and wellness regimen,” said Angie Masilang, a biochemist and formulator of Oleia Oil.

Oleia also comes in Topical Oil form. Osteoarthritis sufferers can take oral softgels and topically apply Oleia Oil directly on their aching joints. Absorbed quickly, it goes straight to the root cause of soreness, helping stop inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles.

This wonder oil is infused with the essences of lavender, chamomile and grapefruit to promote holistic healing through aromatherapy, doing away with the geriatric odor associated with ordinary liniments and rubs.

Experience a pain-free and stress-free life with Oleia Softgel and Topical Oil, now available in South Star Drugstores, also in SM Makati, and SM Megamall near the supermarket section.

A promotional offer called “Oleia Buy 2, Get 1” is ongoing wherein customers who buy two bottles of Oleia Softgels or Topical Oil 50ml, is entitled to one bottle of Topical Oil 20ml for free.

They can avail themselves of the free item when they buy at the Oleia stalls in SM Makati and Megamall, while those who buy from South Star can acquire the freebies at the Oleia Nutriwell Office, Unit 1709 Jollibee Plaza, Ortigas Center, Pasig City by just presenting their accumulated receipts. Promo runs until Dec. 31.

Visit www.oleia.net for more information or call 914-7064, 914-9045 or 0917-8825871.