Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative joint disease that affects the tissue in the joints. It is the most common form of arthritis, and it affects millions of people in the United States. Osteoarthritis damages the bones, cartilage, fat, tissues, and ligaments in the joints.
This disease causes pain and swelling in the knees, lower back, hands, shoulders, neck, and hips. Osteoarthritis can start in any joint and cannot be stopped or reversed with treatment. It has no cure, but there are ways to minimize the pain and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is associated with aging and is sometimes known as a wear-and-tear condition. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop this condition than people under 50. Yet, osteoarthritis can also occur in younger adults. The cause of osteoarthritis is not clear. Heredity, age, obesity, and prior joint injuries seem to play a role. Other causes of osteoarthritis are musculoskeletal abnormalities, weak muscles, stress on the joints, overuse, and gender.
A primary care doctor is the first person you will talk to about your joint pain. They will go over your medical history, ask about your pain level, and observe you perform certain movements. Your physician will perform a variety of tests to determine the level of bone deterioration. He will be looking at your joint mobility, bone density, and overall body health. These two tests will determine the extent of bone degeneration and where the deterioration is occurring.
Your doctor will order imaging tests if they suspect osteoarthritis. Diagnosing osteoarthritis often involves X-rays, an MRI, or joint aspiration. X-rays can determine if the bones and cartilage are healthy. X-rays also show the severity of the osteoarthritis and the amount of damage to the joints and bones.
Your doctor will request additional testing such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) if the X-rays show deterioration in the joints. An MRI gives the doctor a better view of the affected joints and bones.
Another test your doctor may use is a joint aspiration. This procedure involves inserting a needle into a joint to pull out the fluid. A joint aspiration helps the doctor determine if there is an infection. This procedure can help the doctor rule out other forms of arthritis or other medical conditions.
The treatment options for osteoarthritis vary according to the severity of the disease. When osteoarthritis is suspected, a physician will prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID to relieve symptoms and help control any inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Other treatment options for osteoarthritis include physical therapy and surgery.
When you are experiencing mild symptoms, you may need to stay off your feet for a while until the symptoms go away. Losing weight can help reduce some of the pain and increase the range of motion in your joints. Taking medications to control your inflammation may also help relieve some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Modifying your lifestyle habits may also be recommended to help avoid further damage to your joints.
In cases of more severe osteoarthritis, treatments may include surgery. Joint replacement may be necessary for patients with severe osteoarthritis. Joint replacement involves surgically inserting metal screws into the bones of the damaged joint. This process helps restore joint mobility, relieves the pain, and prevents the disease from progressing. The knees and hips are common areas of joint replacement surgery.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually begin to appear during the late teens or early adulthood. Common signs and symptoms include a dull ache or stiffness in the hips, knees, lower back, neck, or shoulders that worsens when standing or walking. The condition can also affect the spine, legs, and feet. Joint stiffness and muscle weakness are also common symptoms of this disease.
Osteoarthritis usually does not cause issues with the quality of life until a person reaches 50 years of age. However, the condition can progress rapidly and cause numbness and pain that makes walking and other activities difficult.
Preventing the onset of osteoarthritis is very important since it occurs with age. People who have a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight are more likely to develop the disease. It is also possible that genetics and bone structure are factors. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, certain treatments such as physical therapy can help improve the quality of life of those who suffer from this condition.
Taking care of yourself is necessary to prevent osteoarthritis. There are several approaches you can take to minimize the effects of osteoarthritis. These include:
• Maintain a healthy weight – Eat healthy, natural foods and exercise regularly.
• Control your blood sugar – Sugary food stiffens cartilage and makes them more likely to break down.
• Improve range of motion – Gentle stretching and daily walks can relieve some of the pressure on your joints.
Osteoarthritis does not have to ruin your quality of life. Talk to your doctor if you notice any pain in your joints that will not go away. Your doctor will tell you the benefits and risks of any recommended treatment. Choose to live a healthy lifestyle to prevent osteoarthritis or reduce the effects of this disease.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.