www. empowereddoctor. com osteoarthritis of the knee affects millions and is one of the five leading causes of disability among the elderly. A recent study in the journal Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol published an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of French maritime pine tree, improved physical performance of 52 per cent in the case of patients with osteoarthritis. The condition develops due to progressive loss of elasticity of cartilage, which leads to hardening and beginning to crack. Accordingly, the cartilage is more susceptible to damage by erosion and the use or injury and often leads to pain, swelling, decreased joint motion, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs . Current treatments include regular exercise and relieve pain relievers such as NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitor pills pain and stiffness. In severe cases, cortisone injections can reduce inflammation in the joint and extreme cases in decline are joint operations. The story is produced and supplied by Empowered Medical Media, LLC, visit www. EmpoweredDoctor. com to see the whole story and if you are looking for a doctor, please visit our local doctor directory at www. empowereddoctor. com