Because osteo- means "bone," -arth- means "joint," and -itis means "inflammation," osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bone and joint cartilage.
The most frequent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). Degenerative joint disease is often known as "wear and tear" arthritis. The cartilage within a joint begins to break down, and the underlying bone changes as a result of OA.
OA can occur in any joint. Moreover, the most commonly affected areas of the body include the:
hands
fingers
shoulder
spine, typically at the neck or lower back
hips
knees
OA occurs most common in older people, although it can occur in adults of any age.
Risk factors
Knee bending and repetitive stress on a joint, for example, can damage a joint and raise the risk of OA in that joint.
Age: As you get older, your chances of acquiring OA rise.
Women are more prone than men to acquire OA, especially after the age of 50.
Obesity: Carrying too much weight puts extra strain on joints, especially weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. This stress raises the chances of developing OA in that joint. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of OA due to metabolic consequences.
Genetics: People with OA in their families are more prone to acquire the disease. Hand OA patients are more likely to acquire knee OA.
Race: Some Asian populations have a lower risk of OA than others.
Causes
OA is caused by damage or breakdown of joint cartilage between surfaces of two bones.
Other causes of joint damage may include:
Previous injury, such as damage cartilage, dislocated joints, or ligament injuries
Joint malformation
Obesity
Poor posture
Stages of Osteoarthritis
The four stages of osteoarthritis are:
Stage 1 – Minor:
Minor wear-and-tear in the joints. Little or no pain in the affected area.
Stage 2 – Mild:
More noticeable or markable bone spurs.
Stage 3 – Moderate:
Cartilage in the affected area begins to waste.
Stage 4 – Severe:
The patient is in severe pain.
Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
Pain. Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
Stiffness. Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
Tenderness.
Loss of flexibility.
Grating sensation.
Bone spurs.
Swelling.
Diagnosis
A doctor diagnoses OA through a review of;
Symptoms
Physical examination
X-rays
Lab tests.
Treatment
There is no cure for OA, so doctors usually treat OA symptoms with a combination of therapies, which may include the following:
Increasing physical activity
Physical therapy with muscle strengthening exercises
Weight loss
Medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and prescription drugs
Supportive devices such as crutches or canes
Surgery (if other treatment options have not been effective)
What is difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?
OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) share the same symptoms but are very different conditions. OA is a degenerative condition, which means that it increases in severity over time. RA, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder.
What causes osteoarthritis to flare up?
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
If left untreated, it'll get worse with time. Although death from OA is rare, it's a significant cause of disability among adults. It's important to talk to your doctor if OA is impacting your quality of life. Surgery to replace joints may be an option, as well as pain medication and lifestyle changes.
Does walking worsen osteoarthritis?
On the one hand you have osteoarthritis of the back and hips, and power walking on hard surfaces is likely to aggravate it. On the other hand you have early osteoporosis, and weight bearing exercise is recommended to delay further bone loss.
What is the best exercise for osteoarthritis?
Walking, biking, swimming, tai chi, yoga, and water aerobics are all good aerobic exercises for people with osteoarthritis. Water exercise is especially ideal because of water soothing warmth and buoyancy.
Is osteoarthritis an autoimmune disease?
Osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disease, and although the exact causes are not known, multiple risk factors have been identified. In a healthy joint, cartilage provides cushioning and a smooth joint surface for motion.
Does osteoarthritis have morning stiffness?
With OA, your joints may become stiffer and harder to move over time. You may notice a rubbing, grating, or crackling sound when you move the joint. "Morning stiffness" refers to the pain and stiffness you feel when you first wake up in the morning. Stiffness due to OA often lasts for 30 minutes or less.
Should you walk with knee pain?
Do walk. Moderate walking is recommended for people with knee pain because it's a low-impact activity. If your joints are painful and stiff, start slowly and work up to 20 minutes of walking per day
Nice constant , very informative
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