Osteoarthritis and You
Osteoarthritis - What is it?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joints deteriorates, causing pain, and loss of movement. It is the most common form of arthritis.
Who gets Osteoarthritis?
The peak onset of osteoarthritis is in middle age and more women than men are affected. One in 3 people over 60 are affected and more than 3 in 4 individuals over the age of seventy show some radiographic evidence of the condition. However, problems of osteoarthritis can sometimes be found in younger people.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
People frequently see osteoarthritis as being a progressive and disabling disease. Some people certainly do experience symptoms of severe pain and stiffness. But for many, symptoms are mild and cause only temporary and occasional problems. Pain may be present at rest, but generally, it is brought on by periods of increased use or some minor injury. Sometimes, it's accompanied by swelling.
Which joints are most commonly affected?
Although any synovial joint in the body may be affected by osteoarthritis, certain groups of joints are more usually affected. The knees and hands are the commonest joints involved, followed by the spine, hips, ankles and shoulders. The elbows and wrists are rarely affected. Most commonly between one and four separate joints may be involved.
What causes it?
The exact cause/s of osteoarthritis is not known. Once believed to be a natural part of aging, doctors now believe that there's nothing natural about osteoarthritis.
What are the risk factors?
* age is a leading risk factor
* lack of exercise which keep joints flexible and improve muscle strength
* being a woman
* overweight leading to excess stress on joints (esp weight bearing joints)
* strain from one's occupation or recreation
* joint injury that never healed properly/well, previous joint injury or surgery
* poor posture
* genetic defects that cause the cartilage to break down faster
* some people are born with defective cartilage or with slight defects in the way joints fit together
* a combination of these factors
Diagnosis
Physicians make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis based on a physical examination and history of symptoms. The doctor puts together the patient's own description of the signs and symptoms with a physical examination. X-ray is used to confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor may prescribe other tests such as blood tests or taking fluid from the joint for analysis. These are mainly used to rule out the possibility of other types of arthritis.
What can be done about Osteoarthritis?
There is a lot that can be done to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis. In fact, the outlook for people with osteoarthritis is far better today than it has ever been!
Within the community, general practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, health educators, rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons form part of a wide network of caregivers who can help the person with osteoarthritis. The development of Education Programs has also enabled people to take a more involved, informed approach to their problem.
Self help and Osteoarthritis
You can have much more control over your osteoarthritis than you may think. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis there is a variety of known treatments and management techniques that help people control and reduce the effects of the disease. Research has shown that people who exercise regularly, practise relaxation and/or use any other self management techniques have less pain and are more active than those people who are not self managers. Active exercises may need to be curtailed sensibly and when a joint is inflamed, as is sometimes the case in Osteoarthritis. Self help courses are now available which are designed to give people the skills needed to take a more active part in their arthritis care together with the Health care team. Contact the Arthritis Foundation for further information on courses.
What can be done?
Medication
Many different types of medication are used to control pain in osteoarthritis. Drugs such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can be used to treat inflammation and pain. To find out more about these drugs and others, make sure that you discuss them with your doctor.
Diet
Contrary to popular belief, there is no diet for the cure of osteoarthritis. However, it is recommended that you maintain your body weight and ensure a proper, balanced diet. If you need more advice, consult your doctor or registered dietitian.
Surgery
Most people with osteoarthritis will never have surgery. In severe cases, surgical techniques like joint replacement of hips, knees and shoulders have been successful in relieving pain and improving mobility. For many, this has greatly increased their quality of life. Be sure to consult your surgeon if you have any concerns.
Exercise
Exercise is a vital part of managing your osteoarthritis. It can help to:
* decrease pain
* increase general fitness and well-being
* maintain and increase ability to perform daily tasks
There are many exercise programs available in the community for people with osteoarthritis, including gentle exercises such as walking, Tai Chi and water exercise(hydrotherapy). Advice on classes, programs, books and videos are available from the Arthritis Foundation and local council.
Aids for daily living
There are numerous aids and equipment available for those with osteoarthritis. These products are designed to increase the quality of life for those with arthritic joints. Devices range from aids for eating and dressing to such simple activities as turning a door handle. Aids are generally cheap and of great benefit for independence. An occupational therapist can assist in choosing an appropriate aid for you.