Are You Suffering from Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease is a condition in which there is a condition in which there is breakdown & eventual loss of cartilage.cartilage is a protien substance that serves as ''cushion'' between bones of joints.

It may affect any joint in your body,including those in your fingers,hips,knees,lower back & feet.But initially it strikes only the large weight bearing joint of the body.

Types of Osteoarthritis:
-Primary Osteoarthritis:It is a chronic degenerative disorder related to aging.It is also related to hereditory conditions.
-Secondary Ostearthritis:It is caused by other factors like congenital disorders,Diabetes,Inflammatory diseases like gout,etc,Injury to joints,hormonal disorders,obesity,surgery.

Who are at risk?
-Normal ageing process
-Post- menopausal women
-Certain hereditary conditions
-Excessive body weight
-Joint injury
-Infections
-Over straining occupations
-Damp & cold weather
-Certain drug related side effects
-Nutritional deficiencies
-Altered immune system

Signs and Symptoms:
*Pain is chronic in nature,causing loss of mobility and stiffness..
*Discomfort in a joint during or before a change in weather.
*Stiffness in joints following long period of inactivity.
*Deformity of joints which occurs at advanced stage.
*Crackling noise can be heard when the affected joint is moved or touched.
*Pain while climbing staircase & while standing,sitting or walking for long time.

Diagnosis:
*It is usually done through X-RAY.
*Other methods are MRI & CT SCANS,ARTHROCENTESIS,ARTHRISCOPY OR ARTHROGRAPHY.
*To differentiate from other type of Inflammatory arthritis,certain blood tests like CRP,test for RA factor & Uric Acid can be done.

Treatment:
*Conservative measures such as weight control,appropriate rest,regular exercise,use of mechanical support devices. applying local heat before and cold packs after exercise can help relieve Pain and inflammation, healthy diet, choosing proper footwear.
*Supplements such as antioxidants, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, methly sulfonyl methane, ginger extract, selenium, vit B9, B12 and vit D.
*Certain proprietary Ayurvedic medicines, Alternative Therapies like Accupuncture and Magneto Therapy.

Topical Treatment:
*Anti inflammatory drugs are available for topical use.
*Creams and lotions containing capsaicin are effective.
*Severe pain in specific joints can be treated with local anaesthetic injections and glucocorticoids.

Surgical Procedures:
*Joint replacement surgery
*Arthroscopic lavage and debridement.
*Osteotomy
*Arthrodesis
*Low level laser therapy.

Role of Glucosamine in treating Osteoarthritis
Glucosamine is a natural substance found in the body, formed by combination of glucose and glutamine. It is primarily found in cartilage and plays a important role in its health and resilience. It helps in regeneration of cartilage by limiting the further degeneration and promoting tissue repair.

Glucosamine inhibits deterioration of cartilage and helps to maintain equilibrium between cartilage catabolic and anabolic process. It also ha some anti inflammatory action.