Osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is caused when a protective
cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones
wears down due to wear and tear. This is the most
common type of arthritis affecting worldwide. It
mainly affects the joints of your spine, knees,
hips, and hands. The development of this disease
can be controlled by being active and leading a
healthy lifestyle. To improve the joint movement
and pain certain medications are used. People
with osteoarthritis suffer with pain and joint
stiffness. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis does not affect skin tissue,
lungs, blood vessels and the eyes.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis The osteoarthritis
symptoms usually develop very slowly and turn
into a serious problem over time. Few symptoms
are Severe pain may occur in the joint
after every movement. The first noticeable
sign is joint stiffness that occurs while
awakening and after being inactive. You
might feel tender even by applying light pressure
near the joint. Full movement of the joint
is lost. You may feel grating sensation when
you use the affected joint. Because of the
soft tissue inflammation, swelling around the
joint might have caused.
Who are prone to Osteoarthritis- People who have
joint abnormalities by birth and those who are
born with spine abnormality are more likely to
develop osteoarthritis of spine. Obesity is
another factor which increases the risk of OA of
knee, hip and spine.
What is the cause of osteoarthritis?
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It is caused when the cartilage, which is a
slippery and firm tissue that cushions the bones
inside the joints, starts deteriorating. The
surface below the cartilage starts becoming
rough. When the cartilage completely gets damaged
the bones will be rubbing without a protective
cushion. This is when you will have severe pain
and discomfort. The main cause could be due
to natural aging, your bones tend to grow weaker
as you start aging. Researches also said
that women are more prone to develop
osteoarthritis than men. It may also cause
due to obesity. Excess weight on the joint adds
stress and pressure mainly on hips and knees.
Proteins produced by fat tissues may cause
inflammation around your joints. Injuries
which occurred while playing or due to any
accident will increase the possibility of
developing osteoarthritis. Sometimes old injuries
that happened many years ago may also cause
osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can develop
within the family members, indicating a
hereditary (genetic) condition. Certain
occupations demand more stress on joints, then
you may eventually develop osteoarthritis. Some
people are born with defective cartilage. Diagnose
of osteoarthritis Orthopedic specialist
diagnoses OA based on the tests like MRI or
X-rays. This will help the doctor to confirm the
loss of cartilage and bone spurs surrounding the
affected joint. Also blood test and joint fluid
analysis test is done to analyze joint or blood
fluid levels in the bone.
Treatment for osteoarthritis The treatment given
is to control pain, improvise joint functioning,
to maintain correct body weight, and to achieve a
healthy lifestyle. Physical Activity Exercise is
the best treatment for osteoarthritis. Exercises
can decrease pain, increase flexibility and it
improves the blood flow, controls weight and
helps you to be fit and healthy. Walking,
swimming, and aerobics are very good for people
suffering from OA,
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they increase energy levels and stamina and
reduce over weight. Frequent periods of rest for
joints is also very important. Weight
control weight control is very important for OA.
Losing weight will reduce stress on joints.
Consult a dietitian for a healthy diet plan for
reducing weight. Alternative therapies you may
also follow alternative therapies to get relief
from pain. Some methods to follow are - Heat
and cold can be used for joint pain. Heat can be
applied in various ways like warm bath towels,
hot packs, and hot shower. These will help in
blood flow, reduce pain and stiffness. Cold is
applied in the form of ice packs, this will help
reduce inflammation, reduce pain and numb the
sore area. TENS is a small electric device.
It relives some arthritis pain in some areas.
Taking massage will increase blood flow and
bring warmth to the pain area. The affected
joints are very sensitive so the massage
therapist must be aware of the problems of the
person. Acupuncture is followed by some
people when conventional medical treatment
doesnt provide pain relief. Nutritional
supplements are given as required.
Pain and Anti-inflammatory Medications Medicines
for osteoarthritis include Analgesics This is a
drug specifically for pain relief contains
acetaminophen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are used to comfort
soreness and related pain and inflammation. Exampl
es for NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, and
celecoxib. If these drugs are used for long term
they may cause side effects like stomach pain,
cardiovascular problems, bleeding problems, liver
and kidney damage. If pain is bearable then
better to apply gels which have fewer side
effects. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are
powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. They are taken
orally or injected into the affected muscles for
pain relief. These are not given more than three
to four times per year. Oral corticosteroids are
used occasionally for inflammatory flares.
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Hyaluronic acid This is an acid which naturally
occurs in the joint fluid, it helps as a shock
absorber and lubricant in the joint. When this
breaks down in people with OA, the same is given
as injection.
Surgery When medication and alternative
therapies and treatments do not help then finally
surgery is done to get relief from pain and
disability of osteoarthritis. The final decision
is taken on many factors like patients age,
intensity of pain, level of disability,
medical conditions etc. Surgery may be done to
achieve one of the below Arthroscopic
debridement- this is done to remove any damaged
cartilage or bone Osteotomy- repositioning
of bones Resurfacing bones The surgeon
will replace the affected joint with artificial
joints called prostheses. These new joints are
made up of metal alloys, high density plastic and
ceramic metal.
Precautions during and after the treatment
It is always better to understand your condition
and learn how to manage it. So to overcome the OA
problems you need to make few lifestyle changes
that are affecting your present daily life.
Exercising is a best way to lessen your joint
pain and live a comfortable life. Do exercises to
strengthen your muscles around your joint. If you
experience any new pain then stop for some time
as it may last for few hours. Till then rest
yourself and then start with light stretches.
Lose weight in a healthy way. Talk to your
dietitian for better results. Follow
therapies like Tai chi, Yoga and deep breathing
gentle exercises to reduce stress. You can
anytime take Hot and Cold therapy as these can
relive you from joint pain and muscle aches.
Braces and shoe inserts will help you while
walking and standing. This will take the pressure
off from your joint. If you find any
swelling and pain after exercising then
immediately put some ice on the joints. It will
help to reduce pain. Aerobic, swimming are
the best exercises to strengthen the muscles.
Do not overdo any exercises beyond your
tolerance limit.
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Always take guidelines from your physiotherapist
before starting any exercises. He will suggest
you what kind of exercises can you do.