Osteoarthritis most chronic form of arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most chronic form of arthritis. OA arises when the cartilages break down overtime eliminating the cushion at the end of the bones. As a result, it causes stiffness and pain. The most affected areas are hips, spine, hands, and knees. The condition is most likely to affect the aged generation, but adults of all ages are also vulnerable. OA is the leading cause of disability in the United States, with over 30 million people affected.
Causes
The leading cause of OA is joint damage, which is developed over time hence age being a factor. Other than age, there are other causes of joint damage, including dislocation of joints, torn cartilages, and injuries in the ligaments. The risk of joint damage can increase with obesity, joint malfunction, and poor posture. Besides, gender, where more women develop AO than men and a family history of joint genetic defects. Other metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, may increase the risk of OA.
Diagnosis
The physician examines the affected joints for tenderness, redness, swelling, and flexibility. Moreover, an X-ray might be recommended where cartilage loss is revealed when the space between bones is narrow than usual. MRI could be used to show a more detailed image of the bone. Additionally, blood tests and joint fluid analysis can be used to diagnosis fir AO. Blood tests are used to eliminate other causes, while the joint fluid is analyzed for inflammation to determine the cause of the joint pain.
Treatment
The damage cannot be reversed, but it can be managed through physical and occupational therapy. Physical therapy targets the joint muscles to reduce pain and increase flexibility. Gentle exercises that include walking and swimming are the most preferred. Occupational therapy is used to discover ways of running everyday tasks without much stress.
Additionally, surgical procedures are used in extreme conditions where conservative treatment is not sufficient. First is the cortisone injection, which is an injection of corticosteroid medication in the joint. The drug is used to relieve the pain. One can only receive a maximum of three doses in a year. Second, lubrication injections are the injection of hyaluronic acid, which offers pain relief. The acid provides cushioning in the knees since the acid is made of the same component as the joint fluid. Thirdly is bone realignment through knee osteotomy. It is done when one side of the joint is damaged more than the other. Fourth is joint replacement through arthroplasty. The joint surface is replaced with metal and plastic parts. However, risks of infections and blood clots are high. The artificial bone may also wear out, requiring replacement at times.