What is Osteoarthritis? When the average person says “arthritis“, the particular type of arthritis they’re usually referring to is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and this painful condition currently affects millions of people around the world.
All forms of arthritis manifest themselves as stiffness, inflammation, or pain and osteoarthritis refers to the deterioration of the tender joint cartilage that connects the different parts of our bodies to the underlying bone (“osteo” is Greek for “bone”). It is also commonly referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis as it develops slowly over time from the strains and pressures put on tender joint cartilage. Our bodies are designed to flex at certain key joints, that include: the hand, wrist, knee, neck, back, and hip. Anywhere you can swivel or pivot is a joint, and may be susceptible to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:
Because it is a degenerative illness, meaning that it occurs slowly over a long period of time, the onset symptoms of osteoarthritis usually begin with some mild pain, tenderness, or stiffness in the joints, and then gradually worsens.
Here are a few signs that you may be developing osteoarthritis in your joints:
Stiffness – The joints in your legs, hands, and other parts of your body may begin to feel stiff when you first wake up, or after periods of inactivity.
Tenderness – A sensation of tenderness when light pressure is put on the affected joints.
Grating/Grinding feeling – When you flex your joints and feel a “grating” or harsh rubbing sensation when the joint is in motion
Bone spurs – Over time, tiny hard nodules or bumps may form on the bone around an affected joint
Less flexible – If you feel that your joints aren’t quite as flexible as they once were, or can’t move as far
Pain – A sensation of pain when moving or flexing the affected joint
Note: If you have experienced a growing worsening of any of the above symptoms for several weeks, you should consult your doctor.
What Causes Osteoarthritis:
While the grind of our daily lives can contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis, there are a number of other factors that can increase your risk of developing it:
Obesity – Extra weight puts extra pressure on your joints
Repetitive motion/exercise – Overexertion and demanding physical exercise can put additional wear and tear on your joints
Genes – There is strong scientific evidence that shows that some people are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis due to their genetic make-up
Rheumatoid arthritis – People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis
Other illnesses – Scientists have shown a link between osteoarthritis and people suffering from hemochromatosis, acromegaly, and other assorted diseases
It is important to never “diagnose yourself” with osteoarthritis. Only a qualified medical professional can determine if your symptoms are the result of this condition or another problem.
Treatments for Osteoarthritis:
Currently, no permanent cure for this condition exists, however there are a number of treatments and therapies that can provide osteoarthritis pain relief and alleviate its symptoms:
Weight management – Following a doctor-prescribed regimen of healthy nutrition and exercise, achieving a healthy weight can reduce symptoms
Light exercise – Without making the problem worse, some light, regular exercise helps a lot of people suffering from osteoarthritis. A daily walk around the block, a relaxed swim in the pool, or other light aerobic exercises can help keep the affected joints more flexible and less painful
Stretching – Stretching is a separate form of exercise from aerobic or more active types of exercises. Yoga, Tai Chi, or other guided forms of stretching are a great way to keep joints flexible
Medication – Your doctor may prescribe medications that will reduce the pain in your affected joints, or help reduce swelling and inflammation
Physical therapy – Working with a licensed professional, you will be guided through a tailored series of motions to help increase the flexibility and range of the affected joints
Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be necessary, most often used to repair damaged hip or knee joints
As with all health ailments, the most important therapy is to always keep a positive attitude!