Osteoarthritis - Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment & self-help

Osteoarthritis is also referred as degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, OA, or osteoarthritis. It is a form of arthritis caused due to inflammation, breakdown, and the eventual loss of cartilage in the joints - the cartilage wears down over time.

It is a progressive disease, in which the signs & symptoms gradually worsen. Even though there is no permanent cure, but with the help of certain therapies the patient’s movability can be kept active. Considering experts advice and taking the necessary steps can help you lead an active lifestyle and gain control over their symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is likely to affect almost any part of the body. Some of the commonly affected parts are hands, hips, knees, lower back, and neck.

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

·         Your joint may hurt during or after movement.

·         Limits your range of movement

·         Tenderness in the affected joint

·         Joint stiffness, when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity.

·         Loss of flexibility

·         Affected joints are larger than usual

·         Joints are warm

·         Loss of muscle bulk

·         Experiencing a grating or crackling sound/sensation in the affected joint.

·         Bone spurs - a hard lumps form around the affected joint.

Factors that may increase the risk of osteoarthritis include:

·        Ageing

·      Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn't clear why.

·     Obesity

·    Joint injuries - playing sports or from an accident

·    Certain jobs or repetitive stress on a particular joint that may eventually develop osteoarthritis.

·    Genetics - 40% to 60% of cases of hand, hip and knee arthritis can have a genetic link.

·      Bone deformities - born with malformed joints or defective cartilage

Osteoarthritis Diagnosed

Since there are several factors contributing to Osteoarthritis, thus your doctor may recommend you to consider one or more tests to diagnose Osteoarthritis they are;

·         Medical history

·         Physical exam

·         X-rays

·         MRI Scans

·         Blood tests

·         Joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis)

Osteoarthritis treatment

As we know there are a number of factors contributing Osteoarthritis, due to which your doctor may offer you a number of treatment or a combination of treatment that fits the patient’s needs, lifestyle and health. The 4 main goals of offering an Osteoarthritis treatment include, pain control therapy, improving joint functionality, maintaining a healthy body weight, and adapting a healthy lifestyle for long lasting benefits.

An effective Osteoarthritis treatment plan involves:

·         Exercise & Yoga

·         Physiotherapy

·         Weight control

·         Rest and joint care

·         Non-drug pain relief techniques to control pain

·         Medicines

·         Complementary and alternative therapies

·         Surgery

Considering self-care and good-health attitude can help the person improve their condition in the right direction. Such lifestyle modifications have clear and long-lasting benefits. Lastly, remember, early treatment means less time in pain, and more time living life to its fullest.

Osteoarthritis - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Self-help by Health Care on Scribd