Osteoarthritis is the degenerative condition of joints in which the cartilage deteriorates over the course of time. It generally affects joints of hips, spine, knees, hands and feet.
The cause for Osteoarthritis is not known. In this there is a deterioration of the cartilage present between the bones and the bones get rubbed on each other.
The condition can be primary or secondary.
Primary Osteoarthritis is caused without any injury or other cause.
In secondary Osteoarthritis the condition is due to other diseases or conditions like injury, diabetes, ligamentous deterioration, hormonal disorders, obesity, alkaptonuria, pregnancy, hemochromatosis, metabolic conditions (acromegaly), anatomical problems (being low legged) or inflammatory diseases (septic arthritis).
Most commonly it is due to ageing. But it can be caused due to metabolic, chemical, mechanical and genetic factors also. The prevalence of condition is equal in both the sexes before the age of 55 years but after the age of 55 it is more prevalent in women.
Older age, anatomical deformities, other bone diseases or diseases affecting bones, obesity, joint injury and being women are the risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Morning stiffness, joint inflammation, limited movements, loss of flexibility, painful joints in rainy season, deep joint pain which worsens after exercise and get relieved after rest and grating of joint due to motion are the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Swollen joints, limited ranged motions and joint tenderness are the signs of osteoarthritis. The condition can be diagnosed based on physical examination, blood tests, X-ray, analysis of joint fluid and examination of joint with a small camera (arthroscopy).
Treatment is given to relieve pain, increase the strength of the joint, limit physical disabilities and improve the movement of the joint. The treatment is decided based on the joint involved.
Most commonly non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are the common medications for osteoarthritis. Steroids, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate and artificial joint fluids are other treatment options for osteoarthritis.
Surgery can be done. Joint replacement surgery, surgery to realign bones, surgery to clean the area around bones and surgery to fuse bones are the types of surgeries for osteoarthritis.
Eating well balanced diet, adequate rest, exercise, patient education, protecting joints, activities like walking or swimming, loosing weight in case of overweight and application of heat and cold can improve the condition. Physical therapy, braces and surgery are some more treatment modalities.
Inability to do routine activities including cooking or self care, reduced ability to walk and complications of drugs and surgery are the complications associated with osteoarthritis.
