3 Things You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis

1. What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is caused when joints start to wear out from overuse. Athletes and people who have to perform a lot of repetitive activities are prime candidates for osteoarthritis. As joints are used again and again, the cartilage that surrounds and cushions them starts to break down, gradually disappearing until there is bone-on-bone contact within the joint. This contact can be very painful and can lead to joint deformity if left untreated. Painkillers, rest and arthroscopic surgery to remove damaged cartilage are the most common treatments for osteoarthritis. However, severe cases may require joint replacement surgery. People with osteoarthritis can have a genetic susceptibility to their joints becoming worn out through overuse, which can make them more likely to develop the condition.

2. The Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from physical wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition that can affect the whole body in various ways. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system attacks the cartilage as if it were a foreign substance. Fever, fatigue, inflammation and anemia can result from this systemic disorder. In contrast, osteoarthritis is confined to one or more joints, and the person can feel fine in all other ways. People with osteoarthritis typically do not have the generalized malaise that is present in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Damage Can Sometimes Be Repaired

People with osteoarthritis can sometimes repair damaged joints by taking glucosamine. This natural substance is known for its cartilage-building properties and has been shown in studies to produce significant improvement in the condition of affected joints. In fact, glucosamine is the most common natural treatment for the worn-out joints of osteoarthritis and information from current studies have shown that it has helped some patients avoid joint replacement surgery. However, it does take several months to start working, so anyone who takes it should be patient. While it will also build cartilage in people with rheumatoid arthritis, current information shows that any cartilage that is built will likely be destroyed again through ongoing inflammatory processes.