Understanding Osteoarthritis

Basics

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common formof arthritis, impacting millions of people worldwide. This degenerative jointdisease occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wearsdown over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Prevalence

OA affects over 32.5 million adults in theUnited States, making it a prevalent condition. It's a global issue, affectingmillions more worldwide​​.

Symptoms

Symptoms of OA often develop gradually and worsen over time. Key signsinclude:

●      Pain in affected joints during or after movement.

●       Joint stiffness, especially upon awakeningor after being inactive.

●       Tenderness when applying light pressure toor near the joint.

●       Reduced flexibility and loss of full rangeof motion.

●       Grating sensation, popping, or crackling inthe joint.

●       Formation of bone spurs, felt as hard lumpsaround the joint.

●       Swelling due to soft tissue inflammationaround the joint​​​​.

Cause

OA occurs due to the gradual deterioration of joint cartilage. Factorscontributing to its development include:

●      Joint injury or overuse.

●       Aging, with increased risk as people getolder.

●       Gender, with women being more likely todevelop OA, particularly after age 50.

●       Obesity, which puts extra stress onweight-bearing joints.

●       Genetics, where family history plays arole.

●       Race, with some populations having a lowerrisk​​​​​​.

Tests

Diagnosis involves a medical history review, physical examination, andtests like:

●      Joint aspiration for fluid analysis.

●       X-rays to show joint or bone damage.

●       MRI for a detailed view of cartilage andother joint components​​.

Treatment

While there is no cure for OA, treatments focus on managing symptomsand slowing disease progression. Approaches include:

●      Medications: Pain relievers (analgesics), NSAIDs, and corticosteroids.

●       Nondrug therapies: Exercise, weightmanagement, physical therapy, and assistive devices.

●       Surgical options for severe cases,including joint fusion or replacement​​.

This blog is based on comprehensiveinformation from the Arthritis Foundation, the CDC, and the Mayo Clinic. Itprovides an overview of osteoarthritis, but for personalized advice andtreatment, consultation with healthcare professionals is recommended.