Introduction to Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a disorder that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. There are many types of arthritis, with the most common being osteoarthritis (OA). This is a wearing out of the joints, specially of the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and is also referred to as a degenerative joint disease. It affects over 30 million adults in the United States.

With OA, the bones in the joints begin to change over time, and the cartilage in the joints begins to fail. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue found throughout the body. Joint cartilage is called hyaline or articular cartilage. It is found at the ends of the bone and functions as a cushion, creating a low-friction environment between bones. The changes in the bone and the cartilage breakdown results in swelling, stiffness, and pain to the extent that, sometimes, daily tasks can no longer be done.

Risk factors or possible causes of OA include joint injury, overuse of the joints, and increased weight due to obesity. There are also some demographic patterns that have been noted. One of them is that the risk of OA is more likely as a person ages. Another risk factor is that, after age 50, women are more likely to develop OA than men. OA can also be a function of genetics, making it more likely for people with relatives with OA to develop the disorder themselves. Asians have also been known to have a lower risk for OA.

OA has several symptoms that can get progressively worse over time. These can include tenderness in the joint when light pressure is applied. A person who has OA might also notice a change in the range of movement pointing to a loss of flexibility. A grating, popping, or crackling sensation might also be felt when moving the joint. Perhaps the most noticeable indicators are pain and swelling in the joint.

OA can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, x-rays, and lab tests. Doctors who specialize in arthritis are called rheumatologists.

There is no cure for OA, but several therapies are available. These include physical therapy, which typically involves muscle strengthening exercises. If the person suffering from OA is obese, weight loss is recommended to alleviate the condition. Available products to assist with arthritis include both over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as canes and crutches. Surgery may also be an option to deal with OA.

A person suffering from OA can practice several types of self-management strategies. The first is educating oneself about arthritis. Known as self-management education, this activity is focused on awareness and acceptance of the impact of arthritis on a person’s life, including how they can navigate the symptoms and live well in spite of OA. Part of this self-management strategy involves getting information from an authoritative source like a rheumatologist through regular consultations.

Another self-management strategy is increased physical activity. At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week is recommended. It is important to choose activities that are low-impact and relatively easy on the joints such as walking, swimming, or bicycling. Low impact calisthenics workouts are also available online.

There are a number of medications that can help treat OA. These medications come in various forms such as pills, lotions, creams, and injections.

Analgesics are medicines such as acetaminophen and tramadol. These medicines reduce pain but not inflammation. Analgesics change the body’s response to pain. Too much of this type of medicine may damage the liver.

The most popular medicines used for OA are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. These deal with both the inflammation and the pain. They are typically in pill form but some, such as Aspercreme, are a cream that is rubbed into the skin. These medicines are non-addictive, but pose some health risk for those with existing heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Another type of medicine for OA is corticosteroids. These powerful prescription medicines may be taken orally or injected. Examples of corticosteroids are cortisone and prednisone. They reduce swelling and may last up to two months. Because they can cause severe nerve damage, these medicines are limited to no more than four shots a year.

Originally published at http://vishwaskadamsite.wordpress.com on September 15, 2021.