What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage in your joints. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other during movement. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased mobility in the affected joint(s). This condition commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, but it can also occur in the hands, fingers, and other joints. Osteoarthritis typically develops gradually and is more common in older adults, although it can occur at any age, especially if there has been joint injury or overuse. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms, reducing pain, and improving joint function through lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery in severe cases.
Risk factors for Developing Osteoarthritis?
A poor diet, high in inflammatory foods such as refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods, can contribute to the development and progression of osteoarthritis. These inflammatory components can trigger inflammation in the body, exacerbating joint pain and stiffness.
Additionally, a diet lacking in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may fail to provide the necessary support for joint health and cartilage maintenance.
Adopting a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, support joint health, and mitigate the risk of osteoarthritis.
Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint later in life.
Repetitive movements or activities that put stress on a joint, such as sports or certain occupations, can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders, or congenital joint disorders, can also increase the risk of osteoarthritis. See the NHS Website for further information.
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“Osteoarthritis – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment & pathology”
by Osmosis from Elsevier
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What are the Symptoms?
Pain in the affected joint(s) is a hallmark symptom of osteoarthritis. The pain may be mild to severe and can worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities.
Stiffness in the joint, especially after periods of rest or inactivity, is common. It may improve with movement but can return after prolonged activity. Osteoarthritis can also cause a decrease in the joint’s range of motion, making it difficult to move the affected joint fully.
Swelling or inflammation around the affected joint(s) may occur, leading to a feeling of warmth or tenderness.
In more advanced cases, you may be able to feel or see bony bumps or enlargements around the joint area, indicating the presence of bone spurs.
A grating or grinding sensation, called crepitus, may be felt when moving the affected joint due to the roughened surfaces of the damaged cartilage rubbing against each other.
Disclaimer
While the information provided in this article is intended to be helpful and informative, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Health recommendations can vary depending on individual circumstances, medical history, and other factors.
The content presented here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article or on any website.