Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused when a protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down due to wear and tear. This is the most common type of arthritis affecting worldwide. It mainly affects the joints of your spine, knees, hips, and hands. People with osteoarthritis suffer with pain and joint stiffness. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis does not affect skin tissue, lungs, blood vessels and the eyes.

The osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop very slowly: - Severe pain may occur in the joint after every movement - Joint stiffness that occurs while awakening and after being inactive - You might feel tender even by applying light pressure near the joint - Full movement of the joint is lost - Grating sensation when you use the affected joint - Swelling around the joint due to soft tissue inflammation

It is caused when the cartilage starts deteriorating. The surface below the cartilage starts becoming rough. Causes include: - Natural aging - Women are more prone than men - Obesity adding stress on hips and knees - Injuries from sports or accidents - Hereditary (genetic) condition - Occupations demanding stress on joints

Treatment is to control pain, improve joint functioning, maintain correct body weight: Physical Activity: Walking, swimming, and aerobics. Weight control with healthy diet. Alternative therapies: heat and cold application, TENS device, massage, acupuncture, nutritional supplements. Medications: Analgesics, NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, Hyaluronic acid injections. Surgery options: Arthroscopic debridement, Osteotomy, Joint replacement. Precautions: Exercise regularly, lose weight healthily, follow Tai chi or Yoga, hot and cold therapy, use braces and shoe inserts.