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Arthritis Facts

Arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, even children.

Arthritis consists of much more than just minor aches and pains.

There is no scientific evidence that a cure for arthritis exists.

Osteoarthritis is slowly progressive and worsens over years.

Arthritis occurs equally in men and women.

Previous trauma to any joint can cause arthritis.

Ankylosing spondylitis and gouty arthritis are inherited.

It is recommended that you should see a doctor or physical therapist near you as soon as possible.

Many arthritis patients often wait too long before they decide to go through an operation. Arthritis operation on knees and other parts of the body is more advanced today, and you should not live with the pain longer than necessary.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis  is the most common form of arthritis. It starts slowly with the breakdown of joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis affects mainly the joints of the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. Other joints that can be affected are the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles. When a patient suffers from its pain on less frequently affected part of the body, it is usually because of a history of injury or unusual stress to that joint. Job-related repetitive injury and physical trauma triggers the development of osteoarthritis. A strenuous job that requires repetitive motions such as bending, kneeling, or squatting can cause osteoarthritis very often.

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is still yet unknown, but it is widely recognized that damages on a joint begin in response to physical stress such as an injury or repetitive movement. The age is also a major factor. As we grow older, parts of our body wear out. This is also true for the cartilage. By the time you reach to 50 years old, there is a 90 % chance that you will have some visible change in your cartilage. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage wears out and bone rubs against bone. Cartilage contains fluid and elastic tissue and reduces friction as the joint moves. Most often the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees and spine, are affected by osteoarthritis.

Typical symptoms

• Steady pain in a joint.
• Stiffness after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting.
• Swelling or tenderness.
• Crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone (called crepitus) when the joint is used.

Osteoarthritis usually comes on slowly. If you are experiencing symptoms shown above, you should see a doctor to find out if you have osteoarthritis.

Other Factors that may increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis:

• Gender

Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in men. But after age 45, it is more common in women. Its affect on the hand is particularly common among women.

• Obesity

The chances of getting osteoarthritis generally increase with the amount of weight joints have to bear. In the knee, which is a major weight-bearing joint, being overweight during midlife or the later years is the strongest risk factor for developing osteoarthritis.

• Joint alignment

People with joints that move or fit together incorrectly, such as in bowlegs, dislocated hips, or double-jointedness, are more likely to develop OA in those joints.

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Treatment of Osteoarthritis