OSTEO ARTHRITIS INFO

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of degenerative joint disease, and is a leading cause of disability in people over 50 years of age. It is can be a very debilitating form of arthritis in that it tends to affect the load-bearing joints, especially the hips and knees, that are crucial for normal movement.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints breaks down and causes the bones to rub together, inducing a change in shape. Osteoarthritis is found most frequently in people over age 50, although it can occur at any age. It most commonly affects joints in the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, ankles, and hands.

 Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

For many, osteoarthritis pain may become markedly worse over time or with specific activities. Characteristic signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Stiffness. A common marker of osteoarthritis is stiffness in the joint that is most pronounced first thing in the morning, or after a prolonged period of inactivity (such as sitting in a car or airplane). The stiffness usually resolves within 30 minutes of light activity, as the joints “warm up” through gentle movement.
• Pain. Another common symptom is pain in the joint that worsens during or after too much movement. The pain may be experienced as dull and aching, or sharp and piercing. In the most severe cases of osteoarthritis, patients may also feel pain when the joints are at rest or only moving slightly.
• Soreness. The joint may feel tender to touch or with slight pressure.

• Inflexibility. Patients may experience loss of full range of motion in the affected joint.
• Swelling. The joint may swell due to excess fluid buildup. This type of swelling is clinically referred to as effusion. If the swelling is severe, the joint may also feel warm to touch.
• Grating or creaking. There might be a sensation of grating or slight grinding when moving the joint, as the surfaces of the articulating points of the joint no longer move smoothly against each other.
• Bone spurs. Sometimes, bone bumps – which are points of the bone that grow outward as a result of the joint friction and dysfunction – can be felt under the skin. Bone spurs may also be referred to as osteophytes.
• Deformity. In some types of osteoarthritis, physical deformity may be noticeable. For example, enlarged finger joints may result from the friction causes bony enlargements of the finger joints, or advanced degeneration of knee cartilage can lead to an outward, or bowlegged, curvature of the knee.

Osteoarthritis Causes

Osteoarthritis pain is caused by a wearing down of the cartilage that serves as a protective shock absorber between the joints. Cartilage is important for minimizing the impact of everyday activities on the joints, but the intensive use also means that it is subject to high levels of wear and tear.

• Age. The single most common cause of osteoarthritis is aging, as use of the joint over many years is likely to lead to breakdown of cartilage. Osteoarthritis develops most often in people over age 50.
• Family history. Genetics can play a role in bone abnormalities that result in distorted shape and problems with joint alignment. This is apparent in cases of bowed legs or double-jointed abilities, both of which are more likely to lead to development of osteoarthritis

Obesity or excess weight. Weight-bearing joints are at risk for osteoarthritis in people who are significantly overweight. It is estimated that every extra pound of weight adds three pounds of pressure on the knees, and increases the pressure on the hips as much as six times. Because weight gain gradually increases stress on the joints, the onset of osteoarthritis symptoms may take many years to develop

• Injury or overuse of the joint. Occupations or sports that require repetitive motion over a long period of time increase one’s risk of developing osteoarthritis due to increased stress on specific joints. Old injuries can develop into osteoarthritis, especially where a fracture or surgery has occurred. Overcompensation for injuries can also cause osteoarthritis to develop due to a modified gait or other activities.

PHYSICAL THERAPY:

Physical activity is one of the most important tools for maintaining both physical and mental health in patients with various types of arthritis. Regular exercise keeps the muscles strong and flexible and helps control the pain and swelling that occur in a damaged joint. Exercise can also help overweight patients make the lifestyle changes necessary to properly care for their joints.

In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can help relieve stress, improve mood, and reduce anxiety through the release of chemicals called endorphins. For patients suffering from arthritis, keeping a positive state of mind is just as important as maintaining a normal level of physical functioning.

While it is more commonly known that exercise can be helpful for people with degenerative arthritis like osteoarthritis, arthritis exercises can also be helpful for inflammatory arthritis sufferers such as those with rheumatoid arthritis.

FOR KNEE EXERCISES PLEASE READ OTHER POST 

Knee Exercises for Arthritis