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What is Osteoarthritis? |
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Symptoms
Osteoarthritis is the most common disease of its type. Occasionally referred to as degenerative joint disease, it can afflict any joint region in the body, but the usual joint areas in which it occurs include the hands, knees, and the lumbar and hip regions. The condition normally affects single joint areas, but in some instances multiple joints may be affected, as is the case with finger arthritis. Symptoms get worse over time, and the patient may experience a painful sensation at the affected joint after periods of mobility or inactivity, accompanied by tenderness with the slightest pressure. The joint may become stiff, especially on mornings or after periods of prolonged inactivity. In time, the joint loses its flexibility, and a grating sensation is felt whenever it is flexed. Inflammation occurs, and hard lumps (bone spurs) may also form.
Causes
The condition happens when cartilage (hard tissue masses) which serves as cushion for bone ends at the joints degenerate over time. The cartilage’s relatively smooth surface gets rough, leading to irritation. If the cartilage deteriorates completely, the patient will end up with bone masses rubbing against each other, causing damage to their ends and leading to severe joint pain. It is still unclear as to why most instances of osteoarthritis occur. Specialists believe that the condition is the result of a combination of causes, including obesity and being overweight; trauma, stress, or damage to the joints; genetics, or the aging process; and muscle debilitation.
Diagnosis
Initial suspicion for osteoarthritis may be obtained by an examination of the afflicted joint, as well as an inquiry on the severity of the pain. The doctor may also call for diagnostic tests in order to obtain a clearer assessment of the condition. X-ray projections of the afflicted joint can reveal a narrowed gap between the bones, indicating cartilage degeneration; the images may also reveal bone spurs which have formed around it. Blood testing may isolate osteoarthritis from other joint pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor may also extract fluid from the afflicted joint with the use of a needle; this is then examined to spot for indications of gout or infection. Sometimes an internal view of the joint may be recommended in an attempt to ascertain the reason for the pain (arthroscopy). Minor incisions around the afflicted joint allow a minute camera to peek within, and the doctor looks for abnormalities via a video screen.
Treatment Info
Osteoarthritis can’t be cured, but treatment options can minimize the pain and enable proper joint mobility. Although medication and surgery are viable treatment possibilities, the doctor will look into other means before opting for them as a last resort. Initial treatments may involve rest, joint exercise, dealing with the underlying cause if a person is obese, using hot or cold compress, physical therapy, OTC topical painkillers, and braces. If medication has been considered thoroughly and prescriptions still won’t deal with the pain, the doctor may recommend joint replacement or debridement, bone realignment, or bone fusion, in an attempt to provide the patient with normal mobility and a relatively active life.
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