INTRODUCTION:
Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis is categorized as a chronic disease of the joint cartilage and bone. This condition mainly occurs as a result of excess wear and tear of the bone and joint cartilage combined. Cartilage is defined as a rubbery tissue which is firm by nature. This cartilage is found between all the joints. Cartilage serves as a cushion between two bones, thereby allowing the bones to glide over one another very smoothly.
INDICATIONS OF OSTEOARTHRITS OR DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS:
Certain indications, such as joints getting larger and more painful and stiff serve as an indication letting you know that you just might be suffering from Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis.
• The Cartilage itself may sometimes begin to break down or gradually wear away on its own.
• Chances are that extra bone or bony spurs may slowly and steadily begin to form around the joint areas.
• The muscles and ligaments around the hip area become stiffer and get weaker too.
• Age and gender are also another reason for Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis complications to arise. This health issue is particularly found in the case of women who are 55 years and above.
• Being obese is another cause. Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis occurs mainly in the knee, hip, foot and ankle joints particularly if you are overweight.
• Using your joints excessively (if you are an athlete) and fractures or other kinds of joint injuries tend to cause Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis in the long run.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE OSTEOARTHRITS OR DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS:
Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis may also occur due to certain medical complications, such as Hemophilia (a bleeding disorder) and Avascular necrosis (certain disorders that prevent the blood from reaching the area around the joints and eventually causing bone death). Most importantly, Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis may sometimes even occur as a result of other types of arthritis, such as chronic gout (formation of uric acid in the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (a disease that eventually causes long – term swelling of joints and surrounding areas) or pseudo gout (a joint disease).
SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS
SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITS OR DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS:
• Pain and stiffness of the joints
• Movement of joints might cause crepitation (cracking or grating sound of the joints)
• Swelling up of joints
• Tenderness when the area on and around the joint is pressed
• Restricted movement due to joint stiffness and swelling
• Normal, day – to – day movement is painful
ADAPTING TO OSTEOARTHRITS OR DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS:
• Make sure that you apply heat and cold applications regularly
• You must make a conscious effort to try and swim regularly
• Eating healthy food and maintaining a balanced diet is a must
• Take your required amounts of rest at regular intervals
• If you are obese or even partially overweight, make sure that you lose weight
• You have to consult your healthcare professional and take suggestions from him/her about how you can provide the proper kind of protection for your joints
MEDICATIONS AND TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITS OR DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS:
It is necessary for you to be aware that there is no permanent treatment or cure for Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis. But, there are certain medications that your healthcare professional will be able to prescribe for your condition. However, this will only provide temporary respite.
Your healthcare may recommend that you take:
• Mobic (Meloxicam)
• Glucosamine
• Medrol (Methylprednisolone)
OTHER RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS FOR OSTEOARTHRITS OR DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS:
Make sure to keep your healthcare professional informed of all your activities.
• Physical therapy
• Braces
• Surgery
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