What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA), often referred to as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. It is a chronic condition that primarily affects the joints and is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint. As the cartilage wears away, the bones can begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis and typically worsens with joint use. It can be described as a deep, aching pain in the affected joint, often associated with activity and relieved by rest.
- Stiffness: People with OA may experience joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness usually improves with movement.
- Swelling: Swelling can occur in the affected joint due to inflammation and fluid buildup.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Over time, osteoarthritis can lead to a decrease in the joint's range of motion, making it difficult to move the joint through its full extent.
- Joint Instability: In advanced stages, OA can cause joint instability and weakness.
- Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine. It can also affect the hands, fingers, and feet, as well as other joints.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but several treatment approaches can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life for individuals with OA. Common causes can include:
- Age: Osteoarthritis becomes more common as people age.
- Genetics: There may be a genetic component that predisposes some individuals to OA.
- Joint Overuse: Repetitive stress or overuse of a joint can contribute to the development of OA.
- Joint Injuries: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing OA.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Common treatment options for osteoarthritis include:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, exercise, and joint protection techniques can help reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve joint strength and flexibility and teach exercises for pain management.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and topical creams can be used to manage pain and inflammation.
- Assistive Devices: The use of braces, splints, canes, or orthotics can help support and protect affected joints.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options such as joint debridement, realignment, or joint replacement (e.g., hip or knee replacement) may be considered.
Management of osteoarthritis is individualized, and treatment plans are developed based on the specific joints affected, the severity of the condition, and the patient's needs and goals. Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve the patient's quality of life.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon or schedule online.