Joint Function
Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes degeneration in the joints when the cartilage wears down over a period of time. It is the most common form of arthritis, the Mayo Clinic says. The joints most often affected are in the knees, hips, lower back, neck and hands. There is no cure for the disease, but treatment and management can control the symptoms. Cartilage pads the ends of the bones in the joints. When it deteriorates, the padding toughens and causes irritation. It can deteriorate to the point where the bones in the joints are rubbing against each other. This damaging effect results in the painful condition suffered by arthritics.
Causes
Osteoarthritis may occur because of aging or from hereditary factors. The disease usually occurs in older adults, but it can occur at younger ages usually because of joint injuries. Some people are born with deformities in the joints or cartilage, which may increase the risk of getting the disease. Injury to the joints because of playing sports or involvement in accidents may develop the problem. Stress on the joints can result if a person works in an occupation that involves repetitive movements with particular joints. Muscle weakness from other diseases or obesity can put more pressure on the joints to develop osteoarthritis.
Relief
The disease can be so severe that sufferers have to deal with pain throughout the day. Some people have to stop working or can no longer enjoy their normal activities. Joint replacement surgery may be recommended in some cases. Rest when pain or inflammation occurs is recommended in the early stages of the disease. Moderate exercise may help in strengthening the muscles around the joints. Losing weight may also be a recommendation to lower the stress on the knees or hips. Pain creams and lotions or heat and cold packs are also used to relieve pain.
Early Warnings
Warning signs can be used to seek early medical treatment and prevent medical complications later on. Symptoms may include stiffness in the affected joint after sitting for a long time or getting out of bed, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Other warning signs may include swelling or tenderness in the joints and the feeling of the bone crunching or the sound of bones rubbing together. After diagnosing the disease, doctors can offer medical treatment and suggest lifestyle changes to improve the functioning of the joint, control the pain and manage body weight.
