Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is also known as age-related arthritis. With advanced age, people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. The various changes that happen in osteoarthritis happen very slowly over many years. Injury and inflammation to the joint leads to breaking down of cartilage tissues that result in swelling, pain, and deformation of the joint.
Two main types of osteoarthritis
- Primary: This type of osteoarthritis affects thumbs, spine, fingers, and knees
- Secondary: It’s after an injury that can be sports-related injury or inflammation in a joint that this type of osteoarthritis occurs
Who is most affected by osteoarthritis?
People who are over 60 years old have evidence of osteoarthritis; there are others who do not have any symptoms. As age is the biggest risk factor, people are expected to develop this type of arthritis as they get older. Even people who are in their 20s and 30s can get affected by osteoarthritis. There could be a reason for those getting affected at a young age, mostly a joint injury or repetitive joint stress from overuse. More women who are above 50 than men suffer from osteoarthritis.
What causes osteoarthritis?
People usually suffer from osteoarthritis when the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones in the joints over the years deteriorates. As the cartilage wears down completely, bones tend to rub on bone. Osteoarthritis is also referred to as wear and tear disease. Apart from the usual breakdown of cartilage, osteoarthritis can also affect the entire joints. A lot of changes also happen to the bones and also to the connective tissues holding the joints together. Osteoarthritis also causes inflammation of the lining in the joints.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
The doctor who is examining you can usually determine if you have osteoarthritis just by listening to your symptoms and also examining the joints. Having the X rays done also makes sure that there are no other reasons for the pain that you are experiencing. For osteoarthritis, there are no blood tests required.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but you could manage and ease the symptoms with a number of different treatments. These include physiotherapy and weight loss, medicines and surgery. Your doctor can advise you the best treatment for osteoarthritis.
Certain lifestyle changes and treatments: A healthy diet, balancing rest and activity and a weight loss program if you are overweight can help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists and other therapists can put you on a programme. The suggestions would include weight management, strength training, self-management, water-based exercise designed to suit your needs.
Surgery: If there is a need for surgery for osteoarthritis, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon by your doctor. For osteoarthritis, there are several different types of surgery. In case, you have osteoarthritis in the knees, but the doctor finds you not suitable for joint replacement surgery, you will be advised to have an operation called an osteotomy. In this operation, the surgeon adds or removes a small section of bone either above or below your knee so it helps straighten the joint.