Definition:
Osteoarthritis is medically identified as a form of degenerative joint disease. This is found to be the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis typically occurs when joint cartilage wears down over time.
Osteoarthritis may affect any joint in the body. However, the most common areas ate the joints located in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis normally affects just a single joint. Although there are some cases, such as found in finger arthritis that a number of joints are affected.
Osteoarthritis will gradually worsen with time. There is still no known cure available today. However, there are available treatments that can help manage and relieve pain.
Diagnosis:
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through x-ray, blood tests, joint fluid analysis, and arthroscopy,
Treatment:
Since there are no known treatments for osteoarthritis, treatments are mainly provided to manage and relieve pain. This includes ample rest, exercise, lose weight, application of heat and cold treatment, pain creams, braces and shoe inserts.
Initial treatment options for mild osteoarthritis
For mild osteoarthritis pain that is bothersome, but not enough to have a great impact on your daily activities, your doctor may recommend that you:
Symptoms and Signs:
The signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain in joint especially during and after user or prolonged periods of inactivity. Stiffness and tenderness of the joints that is more noticeable in the morning, grating sensation, bone spurs, and swelling. These symptoms manifest more on certain areas such as the knees, hips, hands and spine.
Causes:
Osteoarthritis happens when the joint cartilage that is designed to cushion the ends of bones deteriorates over time. The surface of the cartilage gradually becomes rough and causes irritation. Eventually, when the cartilage wears down, the bone may be left rubbing on the bone. Many medical researchers suspect that this condition is brought about by a number of factors that includes overweight, the normal aging process, joint injury, hereditary, muscle weakness, and stress.
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