Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 16 million Americans, reports the Cleveland Clinic. The condition mainly affects the hands, knees, hips and spine and is caused by the deterioration of cartilage surrounding the joints. Still, osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body. Unlike other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis only affects the joints and not surrounding skin tissue, lungs, eyes or blood vessels. Other names the condition is often referred to as are degenerative joint disease and osteoarthrosis.
Complications
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease causing deterioration of the joints over time, reports MayoClinic.com. Currently, no cure exists for the condition. Eventually, a person can experience pain so severe and debilitating that he may no longer be able to perform regular day-to-day activities. Walking and staying mobile may become extremely difficult, or even impossible. Joint replacement surgery is often recommended to increases joint function and improve quality of life. To avoid complications, treatment plans include exercise, weight control and resting the joints.
Risk Factors
People who are commonly affected by osteoarthritis are typically older. The condition is rare for people under the age of 40, reports MayoClinic.com. Younger people may be diagnosed with the condition if joint injuries have occurred. Joints that have not properly developed or genetic defects also place a person at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. Obesity causes increased weight and pressure on joints and increases a person's risk of being diagnosed with the condition. MayoClinic.com notes that more women than men suffer from the condition. Certain occupations requiring repetitive movement of a joint also predispose a person to a possible diagnosis. MayoClinic.com adds that a combination of risk factors often cause the condition.
Treatment
Because no cure is currently available for the condition, treatment focuses on delaying joint deterioration. Over-the-counter and prescription medications help prevent pain and inflammation. Cortisone shots into the space surrounding the joint will temporarily numb the area. However, medical professionals often limit the number of shots a patient may receive per year due to side effects. Patients may work with a physical therapist, wear supportive braces and change lifestyle habits to decrease symptoms of the condition. Surgery includes joint replacement, realigning bones and fusing bones to decrease pain, states MayoClinic.com.
