Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease

All you need to know about osteoarthritis:

 What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of chronic joint disorder that causes severe joint pain, stiff joints, reduced mobility and decreased activity levels. Arthro means joint. Osteo refers to the bone. any degenerative changes in the cartilage surrounding the joint is called osteoarthritis. As we age, our joints undergo degenerative changes due to constant wear and tear. 

The deterioration of the cartilage (covering the bone ends in a joint) takes place over time and the damage is usually irreversible. The cartilage supports the bone and joint and when there is wear and tear in it, the bones may find it difficult to slide or move normally.  The reduction in the cartilage substance causes the bone ends to rub due to friction and this leads to the occurrence of pain and stiffness.  

The common sites or areas that get affected by osteoarthritis are hands, hip, back and knee.

It is also known as a wear and tear arthritis. Doctors also call it a degenerative joint disorder or a chronic joint disease. 

What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Due to the degeneration of the cartilage, the bone ends start to damage and this leads to the condition called osteoarthritis.  This process of degenerative changes take place over a long period before producing the symptoms.  That is why it is commonly seen in people above 50 years of age.

The signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

• Pain in the affected joint/joints
• Stiffness of the joints
• Reduced movement of joints
• Joints become less flexible 
• Decreased range of motion
• Signs of inflammation around the joints

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also known as a wear and tear arthritis. It tends to develop over time due to continuous overuse of the hands, especially thumbs or fingers, hip and knee. 

The condition OA occurs due to the destruction or damage to the cartilage of joint. 

The exact cause of osteoarthritis, as to why the joint breakdown happens is not known, but there are certain risk factors that tend to cause degenerative changes in the joint. 

Risk factors that may cause osteoarthritis are:

Age: It can occur in almost any age but the common incidences are noted among people in their fifties. 

Gender: Females are more affected by osteoarthritis than the males, the reason of which is not known exactly.

Genetic disposition: It is believed that genetics may have a role in causing osteoarthritis. It is seen that people having parents with osteoarthritis may or may not get affected by osteoarthritis. 

Excessive use of joints: Some joints have to wear more weight such as knee, hands and hips or legs. These joints are used more frequently to accomplish daily activities.  This may cause the cartilage around the bone ends to get thinner and undergo several changes. 

Excess weight or obesity: When we are overweight, our joints have to bear the extra weight than normal. This may be a risk factor to cause osteoarthritis in long run. 

How can osteoarthritis be diagnosed?

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be done by:

Physical exam of the client: Swelling on the joints, redness over the joints. 

neurological reflexes and deep tendon reflexes are checked by the orthopedician

X-ray and imaging tests can be done to rule out the damage at the bone endings, loss of joint space between the bones and any erosion a the bone ending.

CT scan and other high resolution scans can help know the condition of joints in a much better way. 

In the early stage, however, the imaging tests often do not show any remarkable findings to diagnose osteoarthritis.

What is the treatment of osteoarthrtitis? 

The treatment of osteoarthritis focuses mainly on:

• Pain management 
• Control of further inflammation of joints. 
• Improving the function of your joints.
• Physical therapy that includes range of motion exercises as guided by the physical therapist to improve the flexibility and function of your affected joints.
• Occupational therapy to help you acquire new skills with the current medical conditions and adapting a new approach to deal with the current difficulties associated with your inflamed joints. 
• Exercise and diet management to reduce your weight. 
• Rest and cold applications to get relief from pain. 
• Oral NSAID medications and gels or ointments for pain relief. 
• Surgery may be indicated if the joint has damaged to a high extent. 

Is Osteoarthritis a curable disease? 

• NO, osteoarthritis cannot be cured or reversed. 

Is it possible to live normally with osteoarthritis?

Living with osteoarthritis can be challenging but not impossible: 

• Physical and occupational therapists along with our medical doctor stand you in strong support to help you deal with your osteoarthritis. 
• Focus on physical exercises to strengthen your joints that are affected.
• Rest, alternate heat and cold applications help you get relief from the joint pain. 
• Use of supportive braces and devices as directed by your doctor and therapist can help alleviate the discomfort and pain. 
• Using specially designed shoes and shoe braces offer help in walking and standing with ease. 
• Join some community support groups living with osteoarthritis. This can serve as a great source of useful tips on dealing with your symptoms and conditions. Moreover, you won't feel like ignored or someone alone dealing with the condition as you will get a chance to get acquainted with persons living with similar conditions. 

Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, it can only be managed at home and hospital with the directions from your consultant physician and rehabilitation doctor.  Physical therapy plays an important role in the management of osteoarthritis. 

The above information is for educational and informational purpose only. It is not a substitute for any medical advice or consultation. Kindly see your doctor.