Osteoarthritis Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects your joints. It's often called a degenerative joint disease by doctors. It occurs when the cushioning cartilage in your joints wears away gradually, causing your bones to rub against each other when you move those joints.

What is the Meaning of Osteoarthritis?

Two Types of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Feeling pain in a joint, especially when you move it.
• Feeling stiff, like it's hard to move the joint.
• Seeing swelling near the joint.
• Not being able to move the joint as much as usual.
• Feeling like the joint isn't as solid or steady as it used to be.
• The joint looks different; it may be swollen or distorted.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

• Normal Wear and Tear: Wear and tear can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
• Direct Joint Damage: Anything that directly harms your joints can cause osteoarthritis. This includes injuries from sports, falls, or car accidents. When a joint is injured, it can disrupt the typical structure and function of the joint, leading to the onset of osteoarthritis.

• Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health conditions that affect the joints can also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Conditions like joint hypermobility syndrome can weaken the joints and make them more prone to damage, accelerating the development of osteoarthritis.
• Other Types of Arthritis: Some forms, particularly inflammatory arthritis, can lead to secondary osteoarthritis. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation and damage to the joints, eventually leading to osteoarthritis as a secondary consequence of the initial arthritis condition.

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

• Obesity or being overweight (having a high BMI).
• Diabetes.
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
• Some autoimmune diseases that affect the joints.

Stages of Osteoarthritis

• Stage 1 (Mild): Early symptoms, but the cartilage is still okay.
• Stage 2 (Moderate): More pain and signs of cartilage wear.
• Stage 3 (Advanced): Constant symptoms, cartilage almost gone, and pain with weight on the joint.
• Stage 4 (Severe): Pain, stiffness, and other symptoms like decreased motion and joint instability. Surgery may be needed at this stage to improve symptoms and mobility.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis

• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to see the condition of your joints more clearly.
• Blood tests or fluid analysis from the joint may be done to rule out other conditions that cause joint pain or inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis

1. Medication: Pain relievers can help with pain and inflammation.
2. Exercise: Moving joints helps reduce stiffness and strengthens muscles.
3. Supportive devices: Shoe inserts, braces, canes, or walkers can support and stabilize joints.
4. Heat and cold therapies: Applying heat or cold can ease pain and stiffness.
5. Complementary therapy: Options like acupuncture, massage, or meditation can complement other treatments.
6. Surgery: Reserved for severe cases where other treatments haven't helped; it may involve joint replacement.

Complications of Osteoarthritis

• Trouble sleeping
• Gaining weight because it hurts to move
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Bone death (osteonecrosis)
• Wearing away of ligaments and tendons
• Minor fractures from too much pressure
• Bleeding near the joints

Tips for Easy Living with Osteoarthritis

• Adjust your routine to manage symptoms.
• Modify activities depending on symptom severity.
• Seek help from an occupational therapist.
• Use adaptive tools like jar grips.
• Learn safe techniques for hobbies and sports.
• Get tips to reduce joint pain during flare-ups.