Factors, Symptoms and Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder in which there is a gradual loss of protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones. It is more common in weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine joints. Sometimes, it can also affect the joints fingers, toes and neck.

It usually starts in the fifties although it can occur earlier if there is an underlying joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or septic. Women are more often affected than men.

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown but believed to be related to age. Aging puts stress and strain on the joint cartilage causes inflammation and erosion. As the cartilage gradually fade, no stretching ligaments and tendons causes pain and stiffness around the affected joint. Here are the factors, symptoms and treatment for osteoarthritis.

Risk factors
Age and obesity are major risk factors. Obesity increases the pressure on aging joints other underlying risk factors associated with osteoarthritis is a joint injury, excessive stress on the joints, genetic defects in cartilage or as a complication of other joint diseases. Conditions such as diabetes and gout can also lead to osteoarthritis.

Symptom
The main symptom of osteoarthritis is gradually increasing pain and joint stiffness. Walking or stretching both pain relief and rigidity to some extent in the early stages of this disease. However, in the later stages, running can cause pain increased. There may be swelling of the joints due to effusions and fluid collection. Bones rub against each other can produce a crackling sound known as' crepitus and cause excruciating pain.

When osteoarthritis affects the finger joints, hard bone enlargement known as Heberden's nodes can be formed. It was not painful, but can restrict the movement of the joint.
Some people may have no symptoms at all and osteoarthritis can be found only when the patient is examined for some other condition.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis can generally be done by history and clinical examination. X-rays can confirm the diagnosis. X-rays showed a loss of joint space, uneven cartilage, bone cysts and the growth of new bone called osteophytes.

Arthroscopy is a minor procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the knee joint to examine under direct vision. This can be very useful to assess the severity of osteoarthritis.

Management and Treatment
Mainstay of management of osteoarthritis is lifestyle modification. Lose weight causes less strain on joints, reduce pain and improve flexibility. Physical exercise and assist in weight loss therapy. Painkillers, rest during exacerbation or flare-ups and walking aids also help reduce symptoms.
In the advanced stages of osteoarthritis, these measures can not be helped and joint replacement
surgery with physiotherapy may be required.

Osteoarthritis gradually worsens over time - there is no cure. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the rate of progression of the condition and help improve pain and joint movement.