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[Obesity] [Osteoarthritis] [Osteoporosis]

OSTEOARTHRITIS

It is caused by injury to or wear and tear of the joints over the years.

TARGET GROUP:

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects middle-aged and older people. Osteoarthritis usually appears in middle age and is present in almost everyone by the age of 70.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in older people. Cartilage is the tissue that pads bones in a joint. The chronic disease causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away, leaving bones that rub against each other, resulting in pain and stiffness. It can also cause new pieces of bone, called bone spurs, to grow around the joints. Depending on the probable causes osteoarthritis is classified as primary or secondary. Primary osteoarthritis occurs without any type of injury or identifiable cause. Secondary osteoarthritis is caused due to another disease or underlying condition.

 

SYMPTOMS:

The most common symptoms are:

• Gradual onset of joint pain
• Morning stiffness
• Difficulty in movement
• Pain during light or weight bearing exercises
• Swelling and tenderness in the joints
• Pain is often relieved after rest
• Disability

 

AFFECTED AREAS:

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the large weight bearing joints of the body, such as hips, knees or the spine. It can also affect the hands, neck, and lower back.

CAUSES:

Most of the time, the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. It is primarily related to aging. Obesity, work related injuries and injuries due to sports are also part of the causes of Osteoarthritis. Persons born with defective cartilage or with slight defects in the way that joints fit together may develop osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis in the hands or hips may run in families. Osteoarthritis in the knees may be due to obesity. Injuries or overuse may cause osteoarthritis in joints such as knees, hips, or hands. The most common causes of secondary OA are metabolic conditions, problems with anatomy, such as being bow-legged, injury, or inflammatory disorders like septic arthritis.

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

The risk factors of osteoarthritis are obesity, scoliosis, and being double jointed. Sports profession of soccer, athletics, and ballet dancing can also put one at a higher risk of osteoarthritis.

RISK TO SUFFERER:

Disability is the main complication of osteoarthritis, which interferes with a person's day to day living, such as bathing, walking, or cooking.

TREATMENT:

Weight loss, exercise, adequate rest, good nutrition, physical therapy, heat and cold therapy, pain medication are some of the most common treatments. Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, may be administered to reduce pain and swelling. Sometimes, steroids may be injected directly into the joint. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are given. Artificial joint fluid Synvisc can be injected into the knee, Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Surgery takes place to repair damaged joints in severe cases.

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