According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Occurring mainly among older people, it is also sometimes called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. The effects of osteoarthritis are most often seen in the hands, knees, hips, spine and lower back, and about 27 million Americans are afflicted with the disease.
Biology
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that normally cushions the joints wears away, eventually disintegrating into nothing. As this occurs, the resultant grinding of bone against bone causes bone spurs to form. The joint may swell and lose the ability to move freely. Sometimes pieces of disintegrating bone or cartilage move into the space between the bones and cause pain. The ligaments and tendons surrounding and supporting the joint will also weaken as the disease progresses.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically develop over many years. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis symptoms are limited to areas containing joints. The pain from osteoarthritis may become worse after exercise or experiencing humid weather and the pain may settle down during periods of rest. A grating of the joint may be heard or felt and the joint may swell. As the disease progresses, movement may become difficult and the muscles around the affected joint may become weak. These symptoms do not appear in everyone with osteoarthritis, and some people may not notice any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Causes and Risk Factors
According to Medline Plus, no one knows the exact cause of osteoarthritis, but some risk factors have been identified. A family history of the disorder predisposes people to getting it. Obesity and old age are factors in developing osteoarthritis as well. Joint injuries and overuse due to sport activities or work may lead to the development of degenerative joint disease. Some medical conditions, including bleeding disorders and other types of arthritis, may also lead to osteoarthritis.
Treatment
Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and aspirin, or prescription painkillers may be given to ease the pain of osteoarthritis. Injections of corticosteroids into the joint reduce swelling and ease pain temporarily. For osteoarthritis of the knee, an artificial joint fluid may be injected for pain relief. Exercise and physical therapy can help restore strength to muscles and joints. In severe cases, surgery may be used to rebuild or replace the joint, fuse the bones together, change bone alignment or remove damaged cartilage.
Complications
The biggest complication with osteoarthritis is an increasing difficulty in performing everyday activities, including walking and moving up and down stairs. Ongoing severe pain is another complication that may come from osteoarthritis.
