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You may commonly encounter the term “osteoarthritis” when referring to joint issues. It is the most common type of arthritis, and it can cause stiffness and joint pain. In this blog, let us deep dive into the basics of Osteoarthritis and what triggers it.
Synopsis
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a disease of joints that is associated with pain, with or without swelling or stiffness in the involved joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) which is also known as degenerative arthritis is the commonest form of arthritis worldwide. Healthy cartilage cushions the surfaces of bones in joints. When cartilage degrades due to multiple reasons, it loses its flexibility and results in many changes in surrounding bone, and other tissues, finally leading to painful bone-on-bone contact.
This joint condition, Osteoarthritis mostly affects the joints that bear most of the body weight, like knees, hips, and feet. Apart from this, Joints that are used in everyday activities, like joints of the hand, are also affected.
What Are the Types of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can be classified into two groups. The first and most prevalent one is primary osteoarthritis.
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Primary Osteoarthritis: When OA is associated with just as a manifestation of ageing and not due to some other joint or systemic disease, it is called as Primary OA.
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Secondary Osteoarthritis: When OA occurs as a result of some joint or systemic disease, like previous trauma to the joint or some other inflammatory arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, it is called secondary OA.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
The key causes of osteoarthritis are unknown. However, it usually sneaks up when you get older. A few health issues, genetic disorders such as joint hypermobility syndrome, sports-related injuries, and accidents may be the main causes of osteoarthritis in some patients.
Risk Factors – Am I at Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis?
Common risk factors for Osteoarthritis include:
Age - people over 55 and women after menopause
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Obesity
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Genetic factors
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Repetitive joint movements, like in sports or some professions.
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Infection of the joints
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Inflammatory arthritis causes damage to joints and injuries
Out of these, certain risk factors can be modified like Obesity and taking joint care particularly while playing sports. Early and Proper medical management of Inflammatory arthritis and joint infections can prevent damage and degeneration of affected joints.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis begins with a proper understanding of symptoms by history and then physical examination. Your physician will look for signs, including soreness in the joints, swelling, strength, and weakening of the muscles. After performing a physical examination, your physician could suggest a few tests and X-rays. They could also use a CT or MRI scan in a few circumstances.
To treat osteoarthritis, your rheumatologist may employ a few osteoarthritis therapies, including medications, surgery, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications, and manage your symptoms.
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Medicine: Over-the-counter pain medications can help in the symptomatic management of severe pain, discomfort, and inflammation. These should be limited to short-term use to prevent side effects of medications. Your doctor may also recommend medication or topical pain medications, such as ointments or patches, to help with affected joints. Apart from this, calcium and Vitamin supplements may reduce the faster progression of arthritis.
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Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is an essential management that needs to be started at the initial stages to strengthen muscles and ligaments supporting joints and hence prevent the progression of joint damage.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes ideally should begin in the early part of life, like weight control and regular low-impact exercises. After the development of osteoarthritis, certain changes like avoiding repeated use of involved joints, like sitting cross-legged, squatting, or jogging in Knee osteoarthritis help to slow down damage progression.
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Surgery: Surgical management (joint transplant or arthroplasty) is needed if other therapies fail, or osteoarthritis progresses to late stages making the patient disabled for carrying out day-to-day activities, or persistent pain despite medical management.
Consult our rheumatology hospital in Whitefield if you need treatment for osteoarthritis of knee joint,
When Should I Visit My Doctor?
Consult a top rheumatologist in Whitefield if you experience any mild symptoms or joint discomfort. If joint discomfort in the hands, knees, or lower back doesn't get better after a few days, it's a strong indication that you should see a doctor.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee include:
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Pain in the involved joints, with or without swelling in the initial stages.
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Stiffness in joints after a period of inactivity.
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Crepitus in the joints, progressive deformities, and inability to use the joints as osteoarthritis progresses.
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Difficulty in walking and climbing stairs in case of knee and hip osteoarthritis along with pain and lack of strength.
Early osteoarthritis treatments help reduce the rate at which your joints deteriorate. Visit Manipal Hospital Whitefield for timely management of your Osteoarthritis and get rid of joint pain!
FAQs
FAQ's
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis-affected joints are:
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Pain
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Reduced range of motion
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Stiffness
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Tenderness/swelling
The commonly affected joints are the knees, hips, joints in the hands and feet.
You should promptly seek consultation with your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above in yourself or any of your loved ones. Visit Manipal Hospital Whitefield to meet our best rheumatologists in Whitefield.
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