The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) strikes over 16 million Americans, and is a major cause of disability among older individuals. Typically osteoarthritis 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 osteoarthritis than men, and other risk factors include heredity, excess weight, joint injury, and hormonal imbalances.1

Although many people associate osteoarthritis 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 GSDL assessments offer important clinical insight into the dysfunctional mechanisms underlying the development and progression of osteoarthritis. For more information click on link below:

Osteoarthritis and Bone Resorption::Two collagen crosslinks measured in the urine assess the impact of osteoarthritis upon bone tissue.

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

Osteoarthritis and Menopause: Many researchers believe that osteoarthritis in women is triggered by hormonal imbalances in the period following menopause.

Osteoarthritis and Oxidative Stress: Free radicals often mediate the destruction of joint tissue characteristic of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Fatty Acids: Inflammatory processes in osteoarthritis can be severely exacerbated by fatty acid imbalances.

Osteoarthritis and Cardiovascular Health: Osteoarthritis places individuals at greater risk for heart disease. A new biomarker, C-reactive protein, serves as an early warning marker for both osteoarthritis and heart disease.

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

Osteoarthritis and Gastrointestinal Health: Chronic use of NSAIDS to treat osteoarthritis can severely damage the gastrointestinal mucosa.

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

All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

Click on area of interest on the right for more information.

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.