Osteoarthritis or Degenrative Joint Disease: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Osteoarthritis is most common in adults over sixty five. In adults between the ages of fifty five and seventy eight its estimated seventy percent are affected by osteoarthritis! Of the over one hundred different type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. It's interesting that men under 55 are more likely to have osteoarthritis while women over 55 are more likely to have the disorder.

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage of the joint is damaged and worn away over time. Cartilage is a hard slippery tissue that cushions the movement between joint surfaces. Another common name for osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease of DJD. The joint capsule is a membranous sac which holds the joint together. Receptive motion and wear and tear over time can damage this capsule and the cartilage it contains causing pain, stiffness and disability. Joints that are weight bearing such as knees and hips seem to be particularly vulnerable to osteoarthritic changes. As osteoarthritis develops, cartilage is lost, bone spurs may occur and muscle weakness occurs.

The symptoms or osteoarthritis include joint pain, selling and stiffness, however, symptoms may vary from person to person. Mild to severe pain may occur and be worse after prolonged sitting or standing. Joint swelling, creaking or grating may be present. Stiffness and limited movement may be particularly bothersome in the mornings. Changes in the weather and increased humidity may cause symptoms to flare up. Symptoms are directly related to which joints are affected. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made by your doctor based on history, physical exam, x-rays and lab test.

Treatment of osteoarthritis is aimed at improving and maintaining function and decreasing symptoms. Treatment can include physical therapy, steroids, anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprophen or other non-steroidals, heat and cold modalities, opiate pain relievers, injections of hyaluronan into the joint which helps lubricate the joint, and pain relief creams containing capsaicin, menthol and methyl salicylate. Treatment is conservative and non-surgical in the early stages of the disease. Weight reduction is strongly encouraged. Even a small weight loss can decrease stress on joints. Rest of painful joints balanced with gentle exercise to maintain muscle strength is encouraged. Yoga and water aerobics are especially helpful type of exercise. Joint replacement surgery is held off as long as possible since joint replacements only last ten to fifteen years. However, joint replacement has good result in restoring function and relieving pain.

Osteoarthritis is very common and affects most people as they age. While there is no cure, many treatments exist that improve function and relieve pain. If you think you have osteoarthritis, follow up with your doctor.

This article is meant to be informative and is not meant to be taken as medical advice.

http://osteoarthritis.about.com/od/osteoarthritis101/a/what_is_OA.htm

http://www.davidlnelson.md/Osteoarthritis.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoarthritis/article.htm