Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This is followed by chronic inflammation of the joint lining. Healthy cartilage is a cushion between the bones in a joint. Osteoarthritis usually affects the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees. People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and limited movement of the affected joint.
Causes
Osteoarthritis is associated with aging. The exact cause is unclear. As osteoarthritis develops, you experience loss of cartilage, bone spurs around the joint, and muscle weakness of the extremity.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
* Obesity
* Genetic factors
* Injury to the joint surface
* Occupations and physical activities that put stress on joints
* Neuromuscular disorders like diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
* Mild to severe pain in a joint, especially after overuse or long periods of inactivity, such as sitting for a long time
* Creaking or grating sound in the joint
* Swelling, stiffness, limited movement of the joint, especially in the morning
* Weakness in muscles around the sore joint
* Deformity of the joint.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
* X-rays of the affected joints
* Blood tests
* Arthrocentesis
Treatment
There is no treatment that stops cartilage loss or repairs cartilage that is damaged. The goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain and inflammation and to improve joint function.
Treatments may include:
Dietary Supplements
There is some evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin may relieve pain and/or decrease osteoarthritis progression. Talk with your doctor before taking any herbs and supplements.
Alternative Treatments
Some doctors report that acupuncture has been successful in reducing the pain of osteoarthritis, although the evidence is not consistent.
While more studies are needed, balneotherapy (hot water therapy), relaxation therapy, exercise, yoga, and tai chi may be helpful.
Mechanical Aids
Shoes with shock-absorbing soles can provide some relief while you are doing daily activities or exercising. Splints or braces help to properly align joints and distribute weight. Knee and wrist joints may benefit from elastic supports. A neck brace or corset may relieve back pain, and a firm mattress may help chronic back pain. Canes, crutches, walkers, and orthopedic shoes also can help those with advanced osteoarthritis in the lower body.
Weight Reduction
Losing weight can lessen the stress on joints affected by osteoarthritis. Losing five pounds can eliminate at least 15 pounds of stressful impact for each step taken. The more weight lost, the greater the benefit.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Strengthening the muscles supporting an arthritic joint (particularly the knee, lower back, and neck) may decrease pain and absorb energy around the joint. Swimming and water aerobics are good because they don't put stress on the joint.
Assist Devices
If you are having difficulty getting around due to arthritis pain, your doctor might recommend that you install handrails and grips throughout your home. These are useful in the bathroom and shower. You may need elevated seats (including toilet seats) if you're having difficulty rising after sitting.
Heat and Ice
Applying heat (with hot water bottles, heating pads, hot paraffin) helps joints and muscles move more easily. It can also lessen pain. Using ice packs after activity can also help.
Prevention
To reduce your chance of getting osteoarthritis:
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Do regular, gentle exercise, including walking, stretching, swimming, and yoga.
* Avoid repetitive motions and risky activities that may contribute to joint injury, especially after age 40.
* With advancing age, certain activities may have to be dropped or modified. But, you should continue to be active.
RESOURCES:
American College of Rheumatology
http://www.rheumatology.org/
The Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca/
Seniors Canada On-line
http://www.seniors.gc.ca/
REFERENCES:
American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Osteoarthritis. Recommendations for the medical management of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. 2000 update. Arthritis Rheum. 2000;43:1905-1915.
Arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Published July 2002. Updated May 2006. Accessed June 9, 2008.
Jordan K, Arden N, Doherty M, et al. EULAR recommendations 2003: an evidence based approach to the management of knee osteoarthritis: report of a task force of the Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis. 2003;62:1145-1155.
Osteoarthritis. EBSCO Publishing Health Library, Natural and Alternative Treatment website. Available at: http://healthlibra.... Accessed March 4, 2008.
van den Berg WB. Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67(6):555-6.
*2/7/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Underwood M, Ashby D, Cross P, et al. Advice to use topical or oral ibuprofen for chronic knee pain in older people: randomised controlled trial and patient preference study. BMJ. 2008;336:138-142. Epub 2007 Dec 4.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2008 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
Edits to original content made by Balanced Vitality
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