Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis, a chronic joint condition that occurs due to a damaged or broken cartilage. Cartilage is a soft bony tissue that prevents bone joints from damage. Its breakage leads to the rubbing of bones at joints, causing inflammation, steadiness, and pain. 

Mostly, osteoarthritis occurs in older people, but it can also occur in adults. It is a disease that causes joint degeneration, also known as wear and tear arthritis. 

It impacts mainly on joints of the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees. In its early stage, when it is difficult to diagnose a cause, is called primary osteoarthritis. When it is diagnosed with a known cause it is called secondary osteoarthritis. 

The main symptoms to identify the condition are;

  • Joint Pain
  • Discomfort and steadiness around hands and finger movements
  • Rigidity in joints
  • Inflammation of joints 

Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, that causes inflammation due to loss of joint lubrication. Osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disease, a result of aging, caused by broken cartilage around the joints. 

Besides aging, the other causes of osteoarthritis are:

  • Cartilage damage
  • Joint dislocation
  • Ligament damage due to injury 

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options vary. Physical activity and yoga are useful options for improving joint flexibility Hot and cold therapy treatment, proper sleep, and weight loss, are other recommended treatment options. Some medications such are “analgesics (acetaminophen), NSAIDs (Advil), corticosteroids” are given for pain relief. But, changing lifestyle, eating proper diet and vitamins, and regular physical activities are the best options to reduce osteoarthritis risks.

Additional Reasons That Can Cause Osteoarthritis

Occupation

Besides aging, cartilage damage, and joint dislocation, what a person does for his or her living can be a potent cause that could lead to osteoarthritis. In medical terms, osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as a wear and tear disease. Depending upon the kind of job, a strain in joints can cause the cartilage to break and it can lead to permanent wear and tear. This can happen due to physical labor, kneeling too much, or climbing too many stairs regularly.

Weight Gain

A person's risk of developing the condition increases if there is a sudden weight gain. Excess body weight will put additional and unexpected stress on the joints such as knees, hips, and back causing them to flare up leading to this health disorder.

Underlying Health Issues

Medical conditions that may involve bleeding near any joint can cause osteoarthritis symptoms to show up or the current symptoms to aggravate. People who have several types of bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or avascular necrosis may also experience some symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Ways To Manage Osteoarthritis Pain And Symptoms

Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises improve joint strength, and flexibility, and reduce pain, helping maintain mobility and prevent further deterioration.

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and certain medications can reduce inflammation and discomfort. They can also target severe and sudden flare-ups.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces joint strain, particularly in weight-bearing areas like knees and hips, easing osteoarthritis symptoms.

Heat/Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold compresses helps alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation in affected joints.

Joint Injections: Hyaluronic acid-based treatments can lubricate joints, reduce inflammation, and temporarily relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Arthritis

Shayan Senthelal; Jinpu Li; Shirin Ardeshirzadeh; Mark A. Thomas.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518992/

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis