Osteoarthritis: The Most Common Type of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the leading type of arthritis known today affecting older people. It affects the cartilage-a hard but slippery tissue-lining the ends of bones in a joint. This cartilage, also called articular cartilage, helps to keep the gliding of bones smooth and acts as a shock absorber during movement.

Because of wear and tear over the years, the cartilage may lose its normal consistency, thereby allowing the ends of the bones to rub against each other. This can cause pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the involved joint.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, commonly affects the older population. However, the condition may also be seen in people as young as 25 years old. In the United States, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), it is estimated that about 27 million people have osteoarthritis with age ranging from 25 and above.

Although osteoarthritis is known to affect older people, it can also affect young people primarily due to joint injuries or malformations in the joint.

Several risk factors have been attributed to osteoarthritis development including being overweight or obese, getting older, having poorly or improperly formed joints, and having jobs and participating in sports that put stress on the joints.

During the early stages of the disease, there may be little or no pain at all. However, as osteoarthritis progresses, it can cause symptoms such as pain, joint swelling, and inability to move the joint because of pain. In some, bone spurs may develop on bone ends, which can break and float inside the joint space. These broken bits can further cause pain in the joint and damage normal joint structures.

Osteoarthritis treatment depends on the severity or extent of damage. Also, treatment involves a combination of therapies tailored to the needs of the patient, lifestyle and overall health. Treatment may include exercise, controlling weight, scheduled rest, nondrug alternative therapies, medications, and surgery.

Exercise

Studies have shown that exercise is one of the best and inexpensive treatments for osteoarthritis. By exercising, people with the condition can improve their mood and outlook, improve joint flexibility, and decrease pain. In addition, exercise can help improve circulation, strengthen the heart and help attain normal weight.

Weight control

People who are overweight or obese should lower their weight. By doing so, stresses on the joints are reduced. Following a strict diet and performing regular exercises can help people lose weight.

Rest and use of assistive devices

Take regular scheduled rests to allow the body to heal itself. Use of assistive devices, such as canes or walkers can help relieve stress on the joints by shifting weight on the device.

Nondrug alternative therapies

Using hot packs or cold packs can help relieve pain. When swelling occurs, ice pack application is advised. This will help relieve swelling in the involved joint. If there is no more swelling, applying heat may help relieve pain and increase blood flow to the area. A health care provider can help you decide which one to apply.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) is a small electrical device, which is used to send small electrical currents to nerve endings beneath the skin. TENS is used to relieve some pain caused by arthritis. A physical therapist can assist you on how to properly apply this device.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve pain and improve joint function. Medicines may include acetaminophen, NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and other pain medications. Drugs have side effects so be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about these.

Surgery

The doctor may recommend surgery to remove loose pieces of bones, reposition the bones, or smoothen out bone surfaces in a joint. Sometimes, the joint may be replaced with artificial joints called prosthesis.

Sources:

Handout on Health: Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Osteoarthritis. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

Osteoarthritis. Nasugnam Health-Division of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases