A joint disorder, osteoarthritis results from wearing of the cartilage, which cushions the joints. Patients start to have osteoarthritis symptoms by middle age. MedlinePlus notes that before age 55 years, osteoarthritis occurs equally in men and women, but it becomes more common in women after age 55 years. Patients who have osteoarthritis can have problems moving as the disease progresses, which can limit what they can do.
Risk Factors
People with certain conditions have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. For example, MedlinePlus notes that people who overuse their joints, such as with doing sports regularly, have a higher risk of getting osteoarthritis. People who are overweight are more likely to have osteoarthritis later in life. Other risk factors include a family history of osteoarthritis and injuries to the joint.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic explains that the symptoms of osteoarthritis become progressively worse. During or after activity, patients can have pain in their joints. When moving, patients may hear a grating sound. Loss of flexibility and stiffness can occur. Other symptoms include tenderness of the joint and the formation of bone spurs. MedlinePlus points out that some people may not have any symptoms.
Movement Complications
Osteoarthritis patients may develop complications that affect their mobility. The Mayo Clinic notes that osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, meaning that the joint pain and stiffness worsen over time, making it difficult to move. For example, patients may have problems walking. The movement difficulties can also impair patients' ability to do work. MedlinePlus adds that the movement complications can impair regular daily activities, such as household chores, personal hygiene and cooking.
Treatment Complications
As part of the osteoarthritis treatment, patients may take medications such as ibuprofen, corticosteroid injections or celecoxib. Some patients may need surgery to replace the damaged joints. But the surgical procedure does have possible complications. For example, MedlinePlus explains that patients may have an allergic reaction to the artificial joint or the new joint may become dislocated. Some patients may develop an infection after the surgery, resulting in the removal of the artificial joint. Blood clots may develop, which can form in the legs or lungs. During the surgery, nearby nerves and blood vessels may become damaged.
Prognosis
MedlinePlus notes that treatment can improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, although the symptoms and complications of the disorder can severely impair movement. If patients cannot perform basic tasks as a result of the osteoarthritis, they may need someone to care for them. With surgical complications, patients may need to have another surgery performed to correct the problem.
