Everything You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis

By Dr. Chetan Jakaraddi, Consultant & Surgeon Joint Replacement and Arthoscopy, HCG Hubli

Called by many names like, wear-and-tear arthritis, degenerative arthritis, Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but it is most commonly found in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. 

Among a leading cause of disability, there are multiple reasons that cause Osteoarthritis one of which is the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Cartilage is a tough, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other. As we age, the cartilage in our joints usually become thin and damaged, leading to osteoarthritis. Other factors that can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis include:

Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on the joints, which can accelerate the wear and tear of cartilage.

Injury: Previous joint injuries can increase the risk of developing post traumatize arthritis later in life.

Genetics: Genetic predisposition can make a person more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis.

Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive motions or heavy lifting can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the joint(s) affected. 

Some common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

Pain: The pain associated with osteoarthritis is typically described as a deep ache in the joint that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Stiffness: Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness in the affected joint, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.

Swelling: The joint may become swollen and tender to the touch.

Limited mobility: As the disease progresses, the joint may become less mobile, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Joint instability due to muscle weakness can lead to walking difficulty & falls.

Osteoarthritis is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and patient’s medical history. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease. Blood tests are not typically used to diagnose osteoarthritis. Once the diagnosis is made treatment is usually required. Whole There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms of the disease. Some common treatments for osteoarthritis include:

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and inflammation in the affected joint.

Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve mobility and reduce pain.

Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the affected joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one.

While there is no surefire way to prevent osteoarthritis, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease. These include:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can reduce the stress on joints, especially those in the hips, knees, and spine.

Staying active: Regular exercise can help keep joints healthy and reduce the risk of injury.

Protecting joints: Avoiding repetitive abnormal motions and using proper form when lifting heavy objects can help protect joints from damage.

Osteoarthritis is a common and chronic joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms of the disease. Additionally, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and protecting joints. If you are experiencing joint pain or stiffness, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, individuals with osteoarthritis can maintain a good quality of life and continue to participate in daily activities.