Osteoarthritis is among the most common degenerative conditions people encounter. Some people may not even realize that osteoarthritis is sneaking up on them and just get used to being in near constant pain since it can come on slowly over time. The disease typically affects the cartilage and bones within a joint, causing pain and stiffness over time. While treatments are available, there is no known cure for osteoarthritis. It typically comes on gradually, so people may not notice an initial injury. However, as the condition worsens over time, it can become debilitating and affect everyday life. In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis and some of the available treatment options.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Several factors can contribute to developing osteoarthritis. Below are some:
- Age - Age is one of the most significant risk factors, as the cartilage in the joints usually begins to break down around age 30. Over time, this can cause pain and stiffness in the joint area. Age is not the only cause of osteoarthritis, but it is considered one of the most significant contributors.
- Heredity - Heredity is another risk factor that can contribute to developing osteoarthritis. The condition typically runs in families, so if your parents have arthritis, you are more likely to develop it at some point in your life. However, not everyone genetically predisposed to the condition will develop it.
- Muscle Imbalances - A muscle imbalance can cause one leg or side of the body to be stronger than its opposite side. Over time, this can affect how a person walks and their posture. A leg length discrepancy often causes muscle imbalances. This means one foot may be slightly shorter than the other, which can strain the lower back and hips while walking or running.
- Obesity - Overweight or obese people face a greater risk of developing osteoarthritis. This is because excess weight puts more stress on the joints and can cause them to break down faster.
Signs and Symptoms
Osteoarthritis is characterized by different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Joint Pain - Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis. This pain most often occurs in the hips, knees, neck, and lower back. Some people with osteoarthritis may not experience any pain until years after their initial injury occurs.
- Joint Stiffness - Another symptom of osteoarthritis is joint stiffness. Over time, this stiffness can make it difficult to walk or move the affected joint. It is typical for joint stiffness to worsen in the morning and improve throughout the day. However, it is possible to experience joint stiffness throughout the day.
- Joint Swelling - Swelling around a joint can be a symptom of osteoarthritis. The swelling often feels warm and tender when pressing on it, worsening at night or after prolonged exercise. Swelling in the affected joint is most common after an injury or following a flare-up. It typically goes down once the injured tissues have healed, and the joints usually move again.
- Loss of Cartilage - Another common symptom of osteoarthritis is the loss of cartilage around the joint area, which can cause the bones to rub together. As this occurs, the area becomes swollen and stiffens up over time, increasing the pain level.
Treatment and Potential Complications
Treating osteoarthritis typically involves a multi-pronged approach, including lifestyle modifications and medications. A key component of osteoarthritis treatment plans is physiotherapy. This type of therapy can help reduce pain and stiffness from the condition and improve joint mobility. The complication associated with this therapy is that it can cause further damage to the joints.
In addition to physiotherapy, you should also consider adding some exercise to your daily routine. This can improve joint mobility and function and increase muscle strength around the joint area, reducing pain levels. Different exercises can be done if one is suffering from osteoarthritis, such as yoga and weight training.
Medications are often combined with lifestyle modifications, such as physiotherapy or exercise, to reduce pain and swell around the joint area. Different types of medications can help treat osteoarthritis, including anti-inflammatory drugs and others. Side effects of medications can include nausea, stomach ulcers, and liver damage.
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or tai chi, may treat osteoarthritis. Some research has shown these treatments can reduce pain associated with the condition. However, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness. Complications associated include bruising at the site of needle insertion and sore muscles.