OSTEOARTHRITIS

What’s Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disorder that primarily affects the cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. It is characterized by the gradual breakdown and loss of cartilage, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While it can affect any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Causes:

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors, including:

• Age: OA becomes more common as people get older.
• Genetics: Family history can play a role in the development of OA.
• Joint Injury: Previous joint injuries or trauma can increase the risk.
• Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing ones.
• Joint Overuse: Repeated stress on a joint, especially in jobs or sports that involve repetitive movements, can contribute to OA.
• Joint Misalignment: Abnormal joint structure or alignment can lead to increased wear and tear on specific areas.

Symptoms:

• Joint Pain: The hallmark symptom of OA is joint pain, which is often described as aching and worsens with movement.
• Stiffness: Joints affected by OA can feel stiff, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Over time, the joint’s flexibility and range of motion can decrease.
• Swelling: Some people experience mild swelling around the affected joint.
• Crepitus: A grating or crackling sensation may occur when moving the affected joint.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is typically based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays. X-rays can show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other changes characteristic of OA.

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, regular exercise, and joint protection strategies can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and prescription medications may be used to manage pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs can help improve joint strength, flexibility, and function.
• Assistive Devices: Using canes, braces, or orthotics can help reduce joint stress and improve mobility.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections may provide temporary relief of pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases where conservative measures are not effective, joint replacement surgery may be considered.

Prevention:

While osteoarthritis is not entirely preventable, certain lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of developing the condition or delaying its onset. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding joint injuries, and managing underlying conditions such as diabetes.

If you suspect you have osteoarthritis or are experiencing joint pain and stiffness, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your symptoms and improving joint health.

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