Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, is a progressive disorder caused by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints. Osteoarthritis involves the entire joint, including the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments and underlying bone. In addition to reducing joint mobility, osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and weakness that can negatively impact an individual’s ability to perform routine tasks and consequently reduce his or her overall quality of life. According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated 27 million individuals in the United States have some degree of osteoarthritis.
Although osteoarthritis can occur in individuals of any age, its incidence increases with age, especially in those 65 years and older. In fact, osteoarthritis is considered the leading cause of disability among elderly individuals. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but the most commonly affected areas are the joints of the fingers, base of the thumbs, hips, knees, neck, big toes and lower back. The elbows and ankles may also be affected. The extent of osteoarthritis and which joints are affected vary; many individuals experience issues with range of motion. Some patients with osteoarthritis may need assistance completing daily tasks such as climbing stairs, walking, lifting or grasping objects and getting up from a seated position.
Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis typically develops slowly and worsens over time, especially if left untreated. Risk factors can be classified as genetic, metabolic or environmental. Common risk factors associated with osteoarthritis include the following:
— Increased age
— Gender (osteoarthritis appears to be more common in women older than 55 years)
— Obesity
— Joint injury
— Overuse of joint
— Genetics
— Repetitive stress on joints due to certain occupations or sports
— Improperly formed joints
— Other medical conditions, such as diabetes or gout
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms typically develop gradually, with variable severity. The most common signs and symptoms include the following:
— Pain and stiffness in the affected joint after periods of inactivity such as sleeping or sitting for an extended period of time
— Swelling or tenderness in one or more joints
— Loss of flexibility and decreased function of the joint
— Limited range of motion
— Increased pain after exercising or putting pressure on the affected joint
— Crackling or grinding sensation with joint movement
— Bone spur formation around the joint
If you suspect you have osteoarthritis, your physician will review your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also perform a physical examination and order other tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and blood tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other disorders.
Treating Osteoarthritis
Although there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, a variety of treatment options can help decrease pain and maintain joint mobility. Typically, the main goal of osteoarthritis treatment is to improve the patient’s overall quality of life by relieving pain and enhancing joint mobility and function. Treatment may require a combination of medication, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Therapy is individualized depending on various factors, including the severity of the osteoarthritis, the patient’s symptoms and his or her current medical history, medication profile and allergy history.
Available medications for osteoarthritis include oral, topical or injectable over-the-counter and prescription formulations. Commonly used oral medications include analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Supplements for joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are marketed as well. Topical analgesics such as capsaicin cream are applied directly to the skin. Your physician may also recommend corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief. To ensure safety and avoid potential drug interactions, always consult your physician or pharmacist before taking any OTC medications, including supplements.
Other therapies include physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, rest, heat and cold therapy, weight loss and the use of support devices to take strain off joints, such as canes and splints. In some cases, surgery is warranted.
Living With Osteoarthritis
Individuals with osteoarthritis can lead normal and active lives, especially if osteoarthritis is identified early and treated properly. You can become an active partner in your treatment by:
— Staying informed about your condition and available treatments
— Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints
— Engaging in regular exercise when appropriate to enhance flexibility and strength
— Eating a balanced, healthy diet
— Getting sufficient rest and relaxation
— Developing means to reduce and manage stress
— Using heat to relieve stiffness and pain
— Using cold to relieve muscle spasms and pain
— Protecting your joints from injury
— Modifying activities if needed to minimize the incidence of pain
— Asking for help when needed
If you have osteoarthritis, take a proactive role in your health and discuss the various available treatment plans with your primary health care provider so that you can make informed decisions. Although there may be challenges along the way, research from the National Institutes of Health demonstrate that individuals with osteoarthritis who take part in their care report less pain and require fewer physician visits. By empowering yourself with essential information about osteoarthritis, you can take control of your condition and lead an active and productive life.
Note: This article was originally published on Jan. 13, 2015 on PharmacyTimes.com. It has been edited and republished by U.S. News. The original version, with references, can be seen here.
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Living With Osteoarthritis originally appeared on usnews.com
