Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of arthritis, and results from deterioration and loss of joint cartilages, which are responsible for providing cushioning in the joint. The degenerative arthritis that results is painful and potential debilitating. The condition becomes more common with age; however it is more common in men that women who are under 45 and more common women than men who are over age 55. Symptoms typically being in middle age, and affect most people over the age of 70. Typically the condition affects the spine, knees, hips and feet.

OA is related mostly to the natural aging process, as the water content in the cartilage increases while the protein diminishes. This loss of protein results in flaking and eventual loss of the cartilage. This loss of cartilage causes pain and irritation in the joint, which limits mobility; it can also cause new growth of bone in the area (so-called spurs). Causes of OA can also be genetic; it is commonly found in multiple members of the same family.

Symptoms of OA include serious pain and aching in joint, which is exacerbated by exercise and weight bearing. Pain subsides with rest. OA is also characterized by grating of the joint when in motion, swelling of the joint, limited mobility, morning stiffness, and pain in rainy weather. It is possible to have OA and be asymptomatic also.

Treatment focuses on several areas, including pain relief, increasing joint mobility, and strengthening the muscles around the joint. Medications used in the treatment of OA include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available without a prescription. The one drawback to NSAIDs is that they can cause stomach problems when used over a long period of time, and many OA suffers have a need to take them for long periods of time.

Other medications used for the treatment of OA include COX-2 inhibitors which prevent swelling. Use of this medication was recently linked to increased risk of heart and stroke, and so the FDA has had to reevaluate its approval of the drugs. Steroids are also used in the treatment of OA, and are injected directly into the joint. Additionally, over the counter supplements like glucosamine and chrondroitan are used to treat OA. They show evidence of reducing pain. Finally, artificial joint fluid can be injected into the knee and provide pain relief for up to six months at a time.

Osteoarthritis exercises provide a good deal of relief for those who suffer from the condition, and help prevent further deterioration. Exercises are often specific to the affected joints, but in general are designed to increase the strength of the muscles surrounding the joint. This allows for less load bearing on the joint, which reduces pain and inflammation. It also helps to prevent the body from maladjusting to the presence of the pain in the joint, which can cause further issues as a result of misalignment.

Common exercises include swimming, stretching, biking and weight training designed to work muscles by not joints. Osteoarthritis knee exercises, for example, often focus on the VMO muscle, which sits at the inside top portion of the knee and is responsible for lateral movement as well as weight distribution.

Resistance training is also commonly used. For those who suffer from Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy tools and techniques have been found to be very useful.

Relief can also be found by using heat and cold on the affected joint, ensuring that you get plenty of rest, eating a well balanced diet, protecting the joints from strain and losing weight. This last item is particularly important for those with OA in the lower joints. Excess weight on these joints will only complicate a recover and worsen pain. Also, excess weight is associated with less exercise, which is critical to maintain for those seek to reduce pain and inflammation associated with OA.

Some people with OA use braces and splints to alleviate pressure on the joints. These braces often limit movement, which prevents further damage to the joint.

In more severe cases of OA, surgery can be warranted to replace damaged joint or repair them. There are different surgical options. Arthroscopic surgery is used to trim damaged cartilage. There are also cartilage restoration techniques that are used to replace damaged cartilage; this option is more frequently used in younger patients.

There is also a surgical technique called an osteotomy, which is used to realign the bone in order to relieve stress on the joint. Surgeons also sometimes fuse bones, or conduct total or partial replacement of damage joints with artificial joints.

Summary

OA is a degenerative disease affecting the cartilage that sits in joints between bones. When cartilage is damaged, friction is created, resulting in pain, inflammation and decreased mobility. Symptoms start to appear in middle age and affect most people over the age of 70. Treatments range from exercise and other forms of physical therapy to joint replacement
surgeries. Medications range from over the counter pain relievers to prescribed medications to reduce swelling and pain. The causes of OA are unknown, though the condition appears to be part of the natural aging process. Early onset of the disease is found in some families with genetic predisposition.

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