18/06/2018
Posting no 3.
What is osteoarthritis?
Sometimes called degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of the many different types of arthritis, OA can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in knees, hips, lower back and neck, small joints of the fingers and the bases of the thumb and big toe.
In normal joints, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint movement and acts as a cushion between the bones. In OA, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. As OA worsens over time, bones may break down and develop growths called spurs. An inflammatory process occurs and cytokines (proteins) and enzymes develop that further damage the cartilage. In the final stages of OA, the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone leading to joint damage and more pain.
Who gets OA?
Although OA occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in older persons. Common risks include increasing age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint, weak thigh muscles, and inherited factors (genes).
Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis vary, depending on which joints are affected and how severely they are affected. However, the most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after resting. Affected joints may become swollen, especially after excessive activity. These symptoms tend to build over time. Some of the common symptoms include: Sore or stiff joints – particularly the hips, knees, and lower back – after inactivity or overuse. Limited range of motion or stiffness that goes away after movement.
Clicking or cracking sound when a joint bends. Mild swelling around a joint. Pain that is worse after activity or toward the end of the day.
Osteoarthritis Causes
Although osteoarthritis is mainly seen as “wear and tear” of joints over time, we now know it must also been seen as a disease of the joint. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the development of OA:
Genes: Various genetic traits can make a person more likely to develop OA. Inherited traits may result in slight defects in the way the bones of the joint “fit together” so that cartilage wears away faster than usual. In others the “quality” of the cartilage is not as “good” as in others leading to earlier breakdown of the cartilage.
Weight: Being overweight puts additional pressure on hips and knees. Many years of carrying extra pounds can cause the cartilage that cushions joints to break down faster.
Injury and overuse: Repetitive movements or injuries to joints (such as a fracture, surgery or ligament tears) can lead to osteoarthritis. Some athletes, for example, repeatedly damage joints, tendons and ligaments, which can speed cartilage breakdown. Certain careers that require standing for long periods of time, repetitive bending, heavy lifting or other movements can also make cartilage wear away more quickly. An imbalance or weakness of the muscles supporting a joint can also lead to altered movement and eventual cartilage breakdown in joints.
Others: Several other factors may contribute to osteoarthritis. These factors include all the arthritic diseases which damage the inside of the joint with structural changes leading to osteoarthritis.
Diagnosing osteoarthritis.
History and joint examination is very important. X-rays or MRI can further confirm the diagnosis.
My next posting will look into treatment of the condition.
