What is it
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, chronic and disabling disease that affects the cartilage of the joints.
It is mainly located in some areas of the body, especially the hip and knee, but frequently also affects the spine and fingers and toes.
Causes
Being a chronic condition associated with the natural aging of the musculoskeletal system, one of the main risk factors for osteoarthritis is advanced age along with the female sex. Women are more affected than men.
In younger people, cartilage wear can result from incorrect lifestyle habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, carrying out a traumatic activity for the joints performed at work or in free time (tennis, running, sewing).
Other causes include small and large traumas to joints or birth and developmental defects.
If you want to learn more about the prevention of osteoarthritis read this article.
Common symptoms
The main symptom is persistent pain in one or more joints, of such magnitude as to affect the quality of life.
Normally the pain tends to improve with rest and to accentuate with physical exercise.
Osteoarthritis can also lead over time to stiffness, deformation and swelling of the joint, reduced motility and functionality of the affected part.
Complications
In case of localization to the hip or knees, osteoarthritis can reduce stability and limit the ability to move, leading to partial or total disability.
If it hits the fingers it can become difficult to grasp objects and perform the main daily activities.
In some cases it goes as far as blocking the joint in an abnormal position.
Care
Osteoarthritis in the knee and hip, along with the associated pain, can be prevented and partly alleviated by decreasing body weight.
It is very useful to learn to assume correct postures in the workplace and in everyday life and perform appropriate physical exercises (physiotherapy) to keep the joints elastic.
The goals of drug therapy are pain relief, reduction of inflammation and improvement of stiffness and functional capacity.
Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, COX-2) and cartilage protectors are available and should be used under strict medical supervision.
In the most severe forms, surgery may be necessary to replace the joint with an artificial prosthesis and to correct the joint defect.
The use of braces and corsets can be beneficial, but the role of laser and ultrasound applications is uncertain.
When to consult your doctor
Osteoarthritis always requires a diagnosis by a specialist doctor and personalized treatment that gives minimal side effects, considering that it must be prolonged for a long time.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.