Osteoarthritis

What you need to know about osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This condition, also commonly called degenerative joint disease, is typically caused by an aging joint that essentially starts to wear out. While osteoarthritis isn’t completely preventable, maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way toward reducing your risk for the disease. This is particularly true in women, and most specifically in women over 50.

General Information on Osteoarthritis

When someone suffers from osteoarthritis, the joints can appear swollen and large, and are typically very painful. Lining around the joints become inflamed and the swelling can actually cause the surrounding bones to grow abnormally. The pain usually gets worse throughout the day. Repetitive movements can contribute to osteoarthritis by cause more joint wear than normal.

Osteoarthritis Treatment

Exercise is an important osteoarthritis treatment, just as it is for any form of arthritis. Particularly for those with knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis, there are a few exercises that are especially beneficial:

• Isometric exercises
• Range of motion exercises
• Aerobic exercises

Isometric exercises work muscles with very small movements. Just tightening muscles rhythmically is an isometric exercise we can all do anywhere, with no special equipment. They strengthen the muscles that support the joint and can help relieve pain. Strengthening the muscles of the upper legs is especially important for those with knee osteoarthritis. A good osteoarthritis treatment is range of motion exercises because they keep joints moving and flexible, which can help alleviate stiffness and pain. Aerobic exercises are excellent for weight control and can help lower swelling in some joints.

Osteoarthritis Progression

This disease of the joints and cartilage develops slowly over a long period of time. First, the cartilage and the lining of the joint becomes swollen and irritated because of the water. The tissues start to disintegrate and then the liquid within in the joint leaks away. The cartilage begins to crack and pit, and eventually hardens so that it’s damaged more easily. When the cartilage is destroyed, the buffer between the bones within a joint is gone, and severe osteoarthritis is the result.

Osteoarthritis doesn’t spread, like rheumatoid arthritis, to the entire body. It affects one or more joints simply due to wear and tear, and is most common the spine, fingers, feet, knees and hips, though it can occur in other joints in the body like wrists and elbows, and even the jaw. Severe osteoarthritis is best treated by surgery and entire joint replacement.