Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million people in the United States. Also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, it occurs when the cartilage in the joint breaks down. The joints in the body most commonly affected by this type of arthritis are the hands, hips, knees and spine, though it can affect any joint in the body. There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, however, there are a number of treatment options available to help those who are affected, as well as joint replacement surgery for severe cases. Unlike some types of arthritis, osteoarthritis does not affect internal organs, skin tissue, the eyes, or blood vessels.

Who is affected by osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs in people of all races and gender. It is more prominent in people who are aging and overweight, as well as those who have previously injured a joint. This condition can also be inherited. Osteoarthritis occurs more in women over the age of 55 than in men, and gradually worsens over time. People under the age of 40 rarely develop this type of arthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include inflammation, tenderness, swelling, warmth, loss of flexibility and creaking of the arthritic joint. Pain is also a common occurrence during or after use of the joint. Stiffness commonly occurs after the affected joint has been inactive or at rest for a long period of time. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can be intermittent and vary in degree from mild to severe. In some cases, a sufferer may become debilitated by these symptoms while others may suffer very little. Some sufferers may experience deformity of the affected joint due to the formation of bone spurs.

What causes osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is caused by the degeneration, or wearing down of the cartilage in joints, due to aging or injury. Over time, this cartilage becomes rough or creviced, leading to irritation. Further degeneration of the cartilage could result in total cartilage loss, causing bone to rub against bone. The bones then become damaged, leading to pain, inflammation and limited mobility. In order to slow down, or possibly even prevent osteoarthritis, it's important to maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy, exercise and prevent injury to the joints.

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