What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, or what is commonly known as wear and tear, is the most common form of arthritis among older adults. It is also one of the most common causes of physical disability among adults.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs as the cartilage tissues that protect the ends of the bones in the joints break down over time. These changes usually develop slowly and worsen gradually, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. In some cases, people living with this disease become unable to work or perform their daily tasks.
There is no way to reverse osteoarthritis, but symptoms of osteoarthritis such as pain, swelling, and inflammation can often be reduced with lifestyle changes and medication.
Who is at Risk for Osteoarthritis?
Anyone can develop osteoarthritis, but it becomes more common as people age. Women are more likely to have osteoarthritis than men, especially after age 50. Other factors that may increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis include:
· Excess weight or obesity
· A history of joint injury or surgery
· Overuse resulting from repetitive movements of the joint
· Joints that are not formed correctly
· A family history of osteoarthritis
Each of these risk factors can lead to the breakdown of tissues in the joints and cause osteoarthritis. By modifying the risk factors you can control, you can reduce your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms range from stiffness and mild pain to persistent, severe joint pain. Common symptoms include swelling and tenderness, stiffness after getting out of bed, and a grating sensation or the sound of bone rubbing on bone. However, not everyone with osteoarthritis feels pain.
Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hands, lower back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and feet. Osteoarthritis occurring in any of these joints can cause physical disability.
Hands: Osteoarthritis in the hands is common in families. If you have family members with osteoarthritis in their hands, your risk of developing it is above average. Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis in their hands. In most women, it develops after menopause. When osteoarthritis affects the hands, small, bony lumps may appear on the end and middle joints of the fingers (those closest to the nails). Fingers may become enlarged and knobby, painful, or stiff and numb. The base of the thumb joint is also frequently affected by osteoarthritis.
Knees: The knees are among the most frequently affected joints by osteoarthritis. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain that make walking, climbing, and getting in and out of chairs and bathtubs difficult. You may hear a grating or grinding sound when walking or moving. Over time, the knee may begin to bend.
Hips: Hip joints are also a common site for osteoarthritis. As with knee osteoarthritis, symptoms of hip osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joint. However, pain is sometimes felt in the groin, the inner thigh, the buttocks, or the knees. Osteoarthritis of the hip can limit the ability to move and bend, making daily activities such as getting dressed and putting on shoes difficult.
Spine: Osteoarthritis of the spine can manifest as stiffness and pain in the neck or lower back. In some cases, arthritis-related changes in the spine can cause pressure on nerves where they exit the spine, which can result in weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms and legs. In severe cases, these changes can even affect bladder and bowel functions.
Regardless of how osteoarthritis affects an individual, over time, daily activities such as climbing stairs, going to the toilet, sitting down and getting up from a chair, holding a pen, or walking in a parking lot can become difficult. Pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis can cause a person to become depressed, fatigue easily, or have trouble sleeping. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.
How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
To diagnose osteoarthritis, most healthcare workers use a combination of methods and tests. Your doctor may:
· Ask about your symptoms and medical history,
· Perform a physical examination,
· Use X-rays and other imaging tests to look at your joints,
· Order laboratory tests to rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your diagnosis. Your primary care provider may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other related conditions.
Osteoarthritis Treatment and Pain Management
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, so doctors focus on treatments that will relieve your pain, help you move better, and prevent the disease from worsening. Treatment plans often include:
Exercise: A safe, well-rounded exercise program can reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. You can try low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or tai chi, as well as stretching and balance exercises. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Remember to start slowly and allow time to adjust to a new level of activity.
Weight control: If you are overweight or suffer from obesity, losing weight can reduce stress on the joints, which can decrease pain, prevent further injury, and improve mobility.
Medication: Over-the-counter medications, including oral painkillers and arthritis creams, can be helpful. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and pain or inject medication directly into the joint.
Surgery: If other treatments do not help and joint damage is extensive, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgeries that help treat osteoarthritis include osteotomy, where a small piece of bone is removed to relieve pressure on the affected joint, and joint replacement surgery, which removes all or part of the damaged joint and replaces it with plastic, metal, or ceramic.
Complementary therapy: Some research shows that complementary approaches such as massage and acupuncture may help alleviate osteoarthritis pain. Talk to your doctor about the best options for your treatment before using other therapies.
Take steps to help manage pain and achieve a better quality of life:
· Try heat and cold therapies to reduce pain.
Use a cane or walker to help you move safely. Your doctor or therapist may recommend other devices to assist with daily activities, such as jar openers.
· Adjust your posture to reduce pressure on joints.
· Take short trips and keep loads small when carrying groceries and other purchases.
· Avoid repetitive activities like bending your back whenever possible.
References:
Osteoarthritis [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; [cited 2023 Oct 20]. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoarthritis
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