Osteoarthritis notes
by James O'Sullivan
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. According to recent estimates, as many as half of all those who have osteoarthritis do not know that the pain and stiffness they are experiencing are actually symptoms of osteoarthritis. Although the term "arthritis" means joint inflammation, there is relatively little inflammation present in the joints of most patients with osteoarthritis; for this reason, many experts and health-care providers prefer to call it "degenerative joint disease". Also called “wear and tear arthritis.
Pathology:
Usually chronic, Osteoarthritis can range from mild to severe. Can be limited to or start in one joint — usually the knee, hip, hands, feet or spine — or it can involve a number of joints in the body. If the hand is affected, usually many joints of the fingers become arthritic.
Erosion of the Cartilage that normally cushions the joint.
Bone rubs against bone, a person will feel pain.
Difficulty moving the joint.
Often leading to bony growths (also called bone spurs or osteophytes).
Cause:
§ For most people, no single cause can be identified.
§ Currently, research is looking into the notion that abnormal enzymes released by cartilage cells may lead to cartilage breakdown and joint destruction.
§ Another theory is that some people are born with defective cartilage or slight defects in the way joints fit, and as these people age, they are more likely to experience cartilage breakdown in the joint.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Joint pain and swelling as a result of activity or in response to a change of weather
Limited flexibility, especially after not moving for a while ("gelling")
Heberden's nodes, bony lumps at the end of fingers, and Bouchard's nodes, on the middle joint of fingers
Grinding sensation with joint motion
Numbness or tingling in an extremity (if the arthritis had led to pressure on a nerve, for example in the neck or lower back)
Risk Factors: people who may be at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis
Age is a leading risk factor, although research suggests that joint deterioration is not an inevitable part of aging.
Women more than men
Participants in contact sports. Sports-related injuries.
Injuries or small repetitive injuries as a consequence of repeated movements (job)
Genetic component, especially in the hands.
Obesity seems to be a factor in osteoarthritis of the knees.
Other recognized risk factors for osteoarthritis include:
Hemophilia or related bleeding disorders, where there maybe repeated bleeding into the joint.
gout or pseudogout, in which episodes of inflammation follow the deposition of uric acid or calcium crystals into the joint
Avascular necrosis, a condition in which the blood supply to the bone near the joint is interrupted, leading to bone death and eventually joint damage. The hip is the most commonly affected joint.
Chronic inflammation caused by previous rheumatic illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Previous joint infection
People who have osteoarthritis often complain of a deep ache, centered in the joint. Typically, the pain is aggravated by joint use and relieved by rest. However, as the disease progresses, the pain becomes more constant. Often, when the pain is significant during the night, it interferes with sleep.
Diagnosis
Pain, warmth and swelling in and around one or more joints that interfere with daily function.
Bony lumps that develop on joints
Do your parents suffer (genetic predisposition)
In the later stages of the disease, X-rays will reveal that the space around the joint has become narrower and that the shape of the joints has changed.
Blood tests to look for evidence of another arthritic condition.
As with many arthritic conditions, treatment involves a long-term approach to managing pain and maintaining joint function.
Analgesics to help alleviate stiffness and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
A newer treatment that may help is a series of hyaluronate injections (including Synvisc or Hyalgam). Hyaluronate is a chemical that ordinarily provides lubrication and nutrition to the joint, and synthesized forms may be injected weekly for three to five weeks into an osteoarthritic knee. Some studies suggest mild benefit to such an approach, although others have found no benefit.
Studies also suggest that glucosamine sulfate, an over-the-counter supplement, may safely provide some benefit for those with osteoarthritis in the knees.
Capsaicin cream applied to the skin over painful joints may also help.
Applying heat or cold can relieve pain temporarily. heating pads, hot baths and ice packs.
Moderate exercise: to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
Weight loss: Because extra pounds put pressure on sensitive joints,it is important that you control your weight.
Good posture: if you have osteoarthritis of the spine.
Surgery: in sever cases to correct deformity or reconstruct or replace a hip or knee joint.
In rare instances, when inflammation is significant, removal of fluid from the joint and an injection of corticosteroid drug. However, overuse of these drugs can damage the joint.
Prognosis
Osteoarthritis is generally a chronic condition that will typically progresses quite slowly over time.
When treated properly, osteoarthritis is rarely crippling. However, it is a chronic disease that may require ongoing care and reconsideration of the various treatment options.
Prevention
There is no reliable way to prevent most cases of osteoarthritis, although preventing risk factors for its development may be helpful.
These include:
Maintaining ideal body weight,
Exercise,
Adequate vitamin D and calcium
Preventing major trauma.
Treating or preventing any associated conditions that might contribute to joint damage (for example, gout or infection) also may prove beneficial.
Cooked Chicken cartilage
Vinegar wine (small shot) for hot arthritis
Note: You should seek medical advice for any medical condition that you are interested in. These notes are intended for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for face to face medical advice......