According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), osteoarthritis is the wear and tear progressive disease of joints. In this condition, cartilage in the joints breaks down and causes anatomical changes in the joints. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, previous injury to the affected joint and a family history of osteoarthritis. Patients typically experience pain, swelling and joint stiffness during flare-ups. This condition is usually treated conservatively, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Cartilage Breakdown
The AAOS states that osteoarthritis develops after many years of use. The ends of bones in joints are covered with articular cartilage that protects the ends of bones from damage. Over time, articular cartilage can wear down and become thin. This allows bones to rub together, which can cause inflammation and pain in the affected joint. Cartilage cannot be replaced, thus, conservative treatments are necessary to control symptoms of cartilage breakdown. The doctor will likely recommend ice therapy to reduce inflammation, strength and flexibility exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint and increase flexibility, and prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and control pain. Adherence to these recommendations can slow cartilage breakdown and help prevent further complications of osteoarthritis.
Bone Spur Formation
The AAOS states that the affected joint may stiffen, swell and form a bone spur, or hump of bone. Bone spurs form in response to bones rubbing together over time. This anatomical change can limit the range of motion of a joint, because large bone spurs may not be able to move past one another when the affected joint is bent. Furthermore, the AAOS states that a joint may lock, creak, click, snap or make a grinding noise during movement of the joint. In mild cases, conservative treatments can control pain and inflammation related to bone spurs rubbing together. However, in severe cases, surgery may be required to remove bone spurs, or a joint replacement may be necessary.
Joint Swelling
The AAOS states that a doctor may notice excess swelling during a physical exam or on an X-ray in a patient with osteoarthritis. This occurs because the immune system activates inflammatory cells in response to cartilage breakdown and bones rubbing together. Inflammation causes fluid to move into the joint, which results in joint swelling. This can be treated with ice therapy, elevation of the affected joint and anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases of swelling, a doctor may insert a needle into the joint and aspirate, or remove, excessive fluid from the joint. Reducing joint swelling will likely reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
