Osteoarthritis is one of the common degenerative joint conditions that affect people around the globe. This is a serious joint condition that results in severe pain and affects the mobility of the joint. The condition majorly affects the cartilage which serves as a cushion between the joints and protects against damage caused by impacts. Besides this, studies have also found that osteoarthritis also affects other parts of the joint including bone, ligaments, and the synovium. 

Being a serious condition, surgery is sometimes required for the treatment, and in the most severe cases, joint replacement may be required. The surgery involves the use of artificial joints like prostheses. 

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Let us talk about the condition in detail.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Gradual deterioration of cartilage between the joints is the commonest cause of osteoarthritis. This could either occur because of aging or as a result of a traumatic injury affecting the joint. 

Over time, osteoarthritis also changes the shape of the joint hence, causing severe complications. Besides this, inflammation of the joint lining is also seen in the case of osteoarthritis. 

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a painful condition, and it severely affects the functioning of the joint. Besides pain, some other common symptoms that may be noticed in people with osteoarthritis include:

• Stiffness

• Tenderness

• Reduced range of motion

• Popping or cracking sensation while using the joint

• Formation of bone spurs

• Swelling around the affected joint

What Are the Risk Factors Associated with Osteoarthritis?

There are certain risk factors that increase the chances of the development of osteoarthritis. Some of these include:

Obesity

Obesity is the major cause of arthritis. This is because increased muscle mass puts the joints under pressure and wear & tear start to occur. Here, losing weight is the key to minimizing the risk of osteoarthritis in obese.

Age

Increasing age puts almost everyone prone to developing osteoarthritis. This is because aging causes wear & tear in the joints and this may result in the development of arthritis. 

Poor Lifestyle

Poor lifestyle puts everyone at risk of osteoarthritis irrespective of age and gender. Those who love to keep sitting in a place and do everything possible right there have the highest chances of developing osteoarthritis. Thus, it is important to be active and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. 

How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is done with a physical examination, diagnostic tests, and lab tests. During the physical examination, the doctor examines the signs of swelling, tenderness, & stiffness. Along with this, the flexibility of the joint will also be examined. 

Imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs will be done to confirm the condition and check its severity. Blood tests and joint fluid analysis will also be performed to support the findings of the imaging tests. 

How is Osteoarthritis Treated?

The treatment of osteoarthritis depends on its severity. The condition has no cure and all the treatments provided aim at relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life. Both non-surgical and surgical treatments are available.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Medication to improve pain, inflammation, & swelling

• Physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve the range of motion and strengthen the joint

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for short-term pain relief

• Cortisone injections

• Lubrication injections

Surgical Treatments

• Bone realignment

• Joint replacement surgery

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