|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
What is Osteoarthritis? |
|
| |
Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease is a group of mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. In a healthy knee, the ends of the thigh bone, the shin bone, and the knee cap are covered by a layer of articular cartilage. This cartilage acts as a cushion and provides a smooth, gliding surface for the movement of the knee.
Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint stiffness. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, and those in the hands and spine. The specific causes of Osteoarthritis are unknown, but are believed to be a result of both mechanical and molecular events in the affected joint. Disease onset is gradual and usually begins after the age of 40. There is currently no cure for OA. Treatment for OA focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function, and can include a combination of patient education, physical therapy, weight control, and use of medications.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind of arthritis. It is a joint disease caused by “wear and tear.” Healthy cartilage -- the firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones at joints -- allows bones to glide over one another, while cartilage absorbs energy from the physical movement. In OA, cartilage breaks down and wears away. As a result, the bones rub together causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
It is a common condition, especially as you get older. Symptoms tend to show up when people are in their 50s and 60s, although an injury to a joint or overuse (such as some athletes might experience) can cause OA when you are younger. |
| |
|
| |
Osteoarthritis can be classified as primary or secondary. |
| |
Primary osteoarthritis has an unknown cause but is generally associated with ageing. It is sometimes referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis.
Secondary osteoarthritis is the destruction of cartilage from a known cause. Conditions that lead to cartilage loss include injury, obesity, gout, infection, congenital abnormalities (abnormalities present at birth) or joint surgery.
Osteoarthritis can affect young and old alike but more often affects people over the age of 40 - predominantly those that have been active and those that still are. If you suffer from arthritis you will be all too familiar with the range of symptoms that it causes and their effect upon your life. People who have a history of past knee injuries, or have placed a lot of stress on their knees from heavy physical activity or weight are also at increased risk. |
| |
|
| |
Causes of Osteoarthritis |
| |
As you move or put pressure on a joint, cartilage allows bones to slide over one another and acts as a shock absorber. Cartilage itself does not have any nerve cells and therefore cannot sense pain. Osteoarthritis results when the cartilage becomes worn out, allowing the bones underneath to rub against each other and cause pain and swelling. As the condition progresses, the joint may become disfigured and small growths called osteophytes begin to grow inside the joints. Osteophytes are small, irregular, bony growths that are also called bone spurs. Bits of broken-off cartilage or bone are also found floating inside the joint. This causes even more pain, swelling, and immobility of the joint. |
| |
|
| |
What is good osteoarthritis care? |
| |
Treatment for Osteoarthritis aims to relieve pain, reduce disability and provide support to help you live as active a life as possible. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but treatment can ease your symptoms and prevent them from affecting your everyday life. With SPMF TherapyTM, the progression of the disease can be halted, thus preventing any further damage. This also reduces the pain significantly. |
| |
|
| |
You may reduce the risk of developing OA by: |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis? |
| |
Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints. Unlike many other forms of arthritis that are systemic illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus, osteoarthritis does not affect other organs of the body. The most common symptom of Osteoarthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive use. Joint pain is usually worse later in the day. There can be swelling, warmth, and creaking of the affected joints. Pain and stiffness of the joints can also occur after long periods of inactivity, for example, sitting in a theater. In severe Osteoarthritis, complete loss of cartilage cushion causes friction between bones, causing pain at rest or pain with limited motion.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary greatly from patient to patient. Some patients can be debilitated by their symptoms. On the other hand, others may have remarkably few symptoms in spite of dramatic degeneration of the joints apparent on x-rays. Symptoms also can be intermittent. It is not unusual for patients with osteoarthritis of the hands and knees to have years of pain-free intervals between symptoms. |
| |
|
| |
Signs and Symptoms: |
| |
Signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis may include the following: |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Who develops osteoarthritis? |
| |
Osteoarthritis usually develops in people over 50 years of age and is more common in women than in men. It is commonly thought that osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of getting older, but this is not quite true. While in very old people the changes of osteoarthritis are visible on X-rays, they don’t always have related pain or problems with joint function.
Younger people can also be affected by osteoarthritis, often as a result of an injury or another joint condition.
Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in your joints. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage absorbs the shock of movement. When you lose cartilage, your bones rub together. Over time, this rubbing can permanently damage the joint. |
| |
|
| |
Factors that may cause osteoarthritis include: |
| |
|
|
| |
Therapies that manage osteoarthritis pain and improve function include exercise, weight control, rest, pain relief, alternative therapies, surgery and SPMF TherapyTM. |
| |
|
| |
How is it treated? |
| |
There are a number of things you can do to relieve the symptoms, and especially the pain.
Your doctor will prescribe you one (or more) of the following types of drugs: |
| |
|
 |
Analgesics (painkillers) which relieve pain.
|
|
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which reduce inflammation and, in turn, pain. |
|
Steroids, which also reduce inflammation, and can be directly injected into a joint for fast relief. |
|
|
| |
Doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if you have severe arthritis affecting weight-bearing joints, such as the knees. Other options include surgical treatment and SPMF Therapy. |
| |
|
| |
Do I need any tests? |
| |
Doctor can often diagnose Osteoarthritis based on your age, your typical symptoms and examination of your affected joints. Tests such as X-rays or blood tests are usually not needed. However, sometimes your doctor may suggest X-rays or other tests if they are uncertain about the diagnosis and want to exclude other problems. |
| |
|
| |
What are the aims of treatment for osteoarthritis? |
| |
There is no cure for Osteoarthritis but there are a number of things that can be done to ease symptoms. For anyone with OA, the aims of treatment should be: |
| |
|
|
To help you to understand the condition and how to manage it.
|
|
To reduce any pain and stiffness. |
|
To maintain or improve the mobility of your affected joint or joints. |
|
To limit any joint damage. |
|
To minimize any disability that may result from your OA. |
|
To halt further progression of the disease. |
|
|
|
