Do You Have Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) 

is one of the most common forms of arthritis. 

 It is a chronic condition in which the material that cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down/ joint failure. 

This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. 

The prevalence of OA is in the region of 10-20% of the adult population.

  Kind :

  1. Osteoarthritis of the knee

  2. Osteoarthritis of the spine

  3. Osteoarthritis of the hip
  4. Osteoarthritis of the hand

Cause :

1. Football injury
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3.OA of the knee and hip occurs much more often in people who are seriously overweight.
4. Effective arthritis. 

Women tend to get it earlier and more severely than men and in some cases, OA may run in families.

Common Symptoms :

• Sore or stiff joints – particularly the hips, knees, and lower back – after inactivity or overuse.

• Stiffness after resting that goes away after movement.
• Pain that is worse after activity or toward the end of the day.
• Most patients say that the pain is worse in cool, damp weather.
• Many OA patients feel or hear crackling or popping in the affected joints (called crepitus). 
• Joints enlarge or change shape. The enlarged areas are often tender to the touch.
• In most cases the affected joints can't move through a normal range of motion.
• In other cases the joints have become so unstable that they can actually move too much or in the wrong direction.

Therapy :

Exercising and achieving a healthy weight are the best and most important ways to treat osteoarthritis. Your doctor also may suggest:

• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can work with you to create an individualized exercise program that will strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase your range of motion and reduce pain.
• Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can help you discover ways to do everyday tasks or do your job without putting extra stress on your already painful joint. For instance, a toothbrush with a large grip could make brushing your teeth easier if you have finger osteoarthritis. A bench in your shower could help relieve the pain of standing if you have knee osteoarthritis.
• Braces or shoe inserts. Your doctor may recommend shoe inserts or other devices that can help reduce pain when you stand or walk. These devices can immobilize or support your joint to help take pressure off it.
• A chronic pain class. The Arthritis Foundation and some medical centers have classes for people with osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Ask your doctor about classes in your area or check with the Arthritis Foundation. These classes teach skills that help you manage your osteoarthritis pain. And you'll meet other people with osteoarthritis and learn their tips and tricks for reducing and coping with joint pain

reference : http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/basics/definition/con-20014749 & http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-facts/disease-center/osteoarthritis.php