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Osteoarthritis |
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Although we usually think of arthritis as one single
disease, it is actually a complex disorder comprised of several distinct
conditions and characterized by a common symptom: pain and inflammation of
the joints. One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis
(OA), otherwise known as degenerative arthritis.
Signs of osteoarthritis start to occur during the onset of the breakdown of
the cartilage of one or more joints. Eventually, as the disease progresses,
the cartilage becomes completely damaged, resulting to loss. The common
affected areas include the hands, feet, spine, and large weight bearing
joints, such as the hips and the knees.
Osteoarthritis occurs in over 20 million people in the United States,
comprising 30% of the 70 million people in total affected by arthritis and
other rheumatoid conditions. It is also more frequently observed among women
over the age of 55.
What causes it?
Osteoarthritis is most primarily related to aging. As the person ages, the
cartilage (the connective tissue that provides cushioning in the joints)
increases in water content, in turn, causing its protein content to
degenerate. And as the cartilage is mostly protein, this change entirely
upsets the cartilage makeup.
The cartilage thins as a result of wear and tear. Without the cushioning
provided by the cartilage, repetitive use of the joints over the years
causes friction, which in turn results in irritation of the joints and
eventually swelling.
As osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage begins to flake off or forms
tiny crevasses. In some cases, the cartilage of a person with osteoarthritis
may even form new bone outgrowths called “spurs.” Eventually, when the case
is so advanced, there is total loss of the cartilage, leading to extreme
pain and limitation of joint mobility.
Symptoms
Unlike the other two common forms of arthritis (lupus and rheumatoid
arthritis), osteoarthritis is not a systemic illness. That means, it only
affects the joints and not any other organs of the body.
The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is, of course, joint pain, often
after repetitive use. The pain is worse later in the day usually though pain
could also occur right after an extended period of rest. Patients with
osteoarthritis may also observe swelling, warmth, and creaking of the
affected joints. Some stiffness and pain may occur as well.
Osteoarthritis may vary from patient to patient as some may be so
debilitated by the disease that they cannot move. Others may suffer only few
symptoms despite the degeneration of the joints.
Additionally, the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be intermittent. That means
that patients with osteoarthritis may suffer pain for several years and then
suddenly enjoy pain free intervals the next. As there is no cure yet, the
disease may never completely go away.
How to Diagnose
X-rays of the joints affected by osteoarthritis are the most accurate method
of diagnosing patients with this kind of arthritis. The x-ray will show
whether there is loss of joint cartilage, or there is narrowing of the joint
space between adjacent bone. X-rays are also helpful in order to determine
what caused the joint pain – whether it is only caused by overusage or
whether there are really the beginnings of the disease evident. |
| This article
is provided courtesy of Roxanne Courtmanch. Please visit
www.thehelpingcircle.com for more articles on arthritis
as well as many other topics that may be of interest to you.
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