Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is among the most common of the different types of joint diseases. While 80% of Canadians over 65 may have some form of it, it manifests itself overtly in only 30%. Osteoarthritis is a loss of cartilage in the areas around the joints. While capable of affecting all joints, it concentrates mainly on the hip and the knees as well as other load-bearing joints of the spine and feet. It often is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthosis.

Causes

As with other types of arthritis, there is no specific, known central causal factor. Causes include aging, genetics and sexual hormones – women more than men are prone to osteoarthritis. In addition, being overweight and the involvement in certain sports can play a major role in whether a person gets osteoarthritis. In the case of osteoarthritis, it is all about the amount and type of stress the individual places on the joint. Football or soccer are prime examples of sports that demand a lot of the body, including the joints. In the same manner, certain occupations can place overmuch stress on the joints repeatedly.

Other possible contributory factors to developing osteoarthritis include joint problems present from birth and other joint diseases, e.g. gout and rheumatoid arthritis Injuries to the joints can also open the way for osteoarthritis to develop. These include traumatic injuries to the joints such as fractures. However, in such cases, osteoarthritis may not develop until later. The same timeframe is applicable in osteoarthritis appearing because of an operation.

Joints Affected

Osteoarthritis can affect the joints of various parts of the body. These include the shoulder, elbow, hands, wrists, ankle, neck, hip and knee. It is more prevalent in those areas carrying the weight of the body on a regular basis. As a result, the hips and knees are all easily affected by osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

The onset of osteoarthritis is gradual with the symptoms varying daily. In general, a diagnosis of osteoarthritis takes into consideration the following characteristics:

• Prolonged (over a week) joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Symptoms more prominent in the early morning
• Tenderness
• Joints feel as if they were creaking
• Restricted range of motion
• Formation of osteophytes on the bones

Some symptoms are obvious to the individual. The doctor can uncover more by relying on a physical examination and a look at your medical and life history. He or she will also take a blood sample to rule out other options, including rheumatoid arthritis . There are also MRIs and arthroscopy – technology designed to provide images of the joint, the joint cavity and other associated body parts.

Treatment

As in the case of many forms of arthritis and joint diseases, treatment depends upon the severity of the problem. It also relies on the length of time the individual has had osteoarthritis as well as preferences of patient and doctor. In general, treatment can involve physical activity or therapy, pharmaceuticals, surgery, supplements and alternative forms of treatment.

• Physical – Exercise is always helpful in relieving pain. Make sure you adapt it to help and not harm your joint problems. To relieve pain temporarily use the hot/cold method. This may proof effective for localized and minor pains
• Pharmaceuticals - These include a variety of drugs. For minor instances of osteoarthritis, you can use over-the-counter creams and gels or opt for such analgesics as acetaminophen. Codeine drugs are for those with a somewhat higher degree of osteoarthritis. There are also the most basic drugs - the NSAIDs such as ASA and ibuprofen. Next are a specific type of NSAID, the COX-2 inhibitors. Both relieve pain, the latter with fewer side effects.
• In instances of more severe osteoarthritis, the doctor will assign other heavier medications. These include the corticosteroids – steroids. The physician may also decide to shoot a gel-like substance into your knee to relubricate the joints. This is a procedure called viscosupplementation.
• 
  Surgery – Two different operations are possible. A minor cleaning is called an arthoscopic while replacement surgery is arthoscopy.
• Some individuals opt to try supplements. For osteoarthritis the most common in Canada is chrondroitin sulphate. Chrondotin is a component of human cartilage. In chrondroitin sulphate, the source tends to be animals such as pigs and cattle.
• Alternative therapy – In the case of osteoarthritis, an individual may safely turn to acupuncture or acupressure and massage to find relief.

As is the case with all forms of treatment, be sure you understand the benefits and the disadvantages of each type of treatment. There are side effects. Some treatments may prove to be more helpful with your osteoarthritis than others. Do your research and talk to various health professionals before you make a final decision on how to treat it.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease of the joints. Involving the erosion of the cartilage, osteoarthritis produces joint swelling, pain and decreased mobility. It is best to prevent the chances by ensuring the load your body is bearing is not adversely affected by its occupation, sports activities, weight or any other factor. If, however, you develop osteoarthritis, seek assistance from a qualified medical professional. He or she can offer you the options that will make living with osteoarthritis more than bearable.