Sometimes called wear and tear arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. When the smooth cushion between bones; cartilages breaks down, joints can be painful, swollen and the one having osteoarthritis, feels hard to move joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck joints, joints that bear most of the weight of body. osteoarthritis can happen at any age, but it commonly starts in the 50s and affects women more than men because of their menopause which cause the decrease in bone calcium and make the bones porous. This disease starts gradually and worsens over time. But there are ways to manage osteoarthritis to prevent or minimize pain and keep mobile. Some people never develop osteoarthritis so it might be genetical in those who have it.
Causes of Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis was long believed to be caused by the wearing down of joints over time or might be due to any joint injury. But scientists now see it as a disease of the joint.
Here are some things that may contribute to osteoarthritis:
Age. The risk of developing osteoarthritisincreases someone gets older because bones, muscles and joints are also aging.
Joint injury. A break or tear, can lead to osteoarthritis after years.
Overuse. Using the same joints over and over in a job or sport can result in osteoarthritis.
Obesity. Extra weight puts more stress on a joint and fats cells promote inflammation.
Weak muscles. Joints can get out of the right position when there’s not enough support.
Genes. People with family members who have osteoarthritis are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Sex. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men.
Symptoms Associated With Osteoarthritis:
Symptoms tend to build over time rather than show up suddenly means that symptoms might be chronic, rather than acute. They include:
Pain or aching in the joint during activity, after long activity or at the end of the day.
Joint stiffness usually occurs first thing in the morning or after resting.
Limited range of motion that may go away after movement.
Clicking or cracking sound when a joint bends.
Swelling around a joint.
Muscle weakness around the joint.
Joint instability
Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis:
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but medication, nondrug methods and assistive devices can help to ease pain. As a last resort, a damaged joint can be surgically replaced with a metal, plastic or ceramic one.
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