Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

The cartilage breakdown in the joints is referred to as osteoarthritis. Cartilage can be termed as a protein substance that acts as a cushion in between the bones of the joints. In general, osteoarthritis affects the feet, hands, spine, feet, knees and hips. People suffering from osteoarthritis generally have joint pain and restricted movement of the affected joint. Amongst the tens and hundreds of arthritis kinds, osteoarthritis is referred to as the most common of all. With aging this disease is likely to occur. In general, women in their fifties are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is also referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It is generally considered as a primary disease in elderly people but may also occur as a secondary condition in youngsters. Excess weight, occupation, injury as well as genetics are some of the other factors that may cause osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease. In case of this disease, the surface layer of the cartilage breaks down as well as wears away, thereby leading to:
• Bone pain
• Bone swelling
• Loss of motion of the joint

With time, the joints lose their natural shape. In addition to this, bone spurs also occur on the joints edges. Bits of cartilage or bone may break off as well as float within the joint space. This leads to further damage and pain.

Osteoarthritis affects different people in a different manner. In some individuals, the disease develops quickly whereas in some the symptoms are more severe. The causes of this disease is still not clear to us, yet is presumed that osteoarthritis is caused due to
• The aging procedure
• Joint injury
• Overweight

Osteoarthritis affects your lifestyle thereby leading to anxiety, depression, restrictions on routine activities, work limitations, feelings of helplessness and much more.

In spite of these challenges, there are many people with osteoarthritis that prefer leading a productive and active life. They succeed in doing so by following the treatment strategies mentioned below:

• Pain relief medicines
• Adequate rest
• Mutual support
• Having an optimistic attitude
• Adequate rest
• Weight management
• Relief from stress on joints
• Medicines like Acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs etc for managing pain
• Surgery: People suffering from this disease can opt for surgery that helps in reliving the pain as well as disability of osteoarthritis.
• Alternative and complimentary therapies
• Non drug pain relief strategies
• Exercise such as agility exercises, strengthening exercises, aerobics
• Complimentary as well as alternative therapies like nutritional supplements, folk remedies, and acupuncture

Make sure you follow the four goals when it comes to treating Osteoarthritis:
• Manage pain
• Improve the functioning of joints
• Maintain a stable body weight
• Follow a healthy lifestyle

It is true that health care professionals may play a viable role in managing your osteoarthritis pain but you on our part are equally responsible when it comes to the treatment of this disease. To be more specific, you on your part need to
• Understand your disease
• Remain active as it helps in lowering pain
• Cope mentally, physically as well as emotionally
• Be confident
• Eat well
Take care!

The following websites have been referred to while writing this article:
http://www.osteoarthritis.net/
http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoarthritis/article.htm
http://arthritis.about.com/od/oabasicfacts/Osteoarthritis_Causes_Basic_Information_on_Osteoarthritis.htm
http://arthritis.about.com/od/oa/a/Osteo_arthritis.htm
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp#8