Osteoarthritis

We are used to using the word arthritis to mean osteoarthritis, however, we have different types of arthritis and today we focus on osteoarthritis. The other form of arthritis will follow in our subsequent posts.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease. It affects joints mostly the knees, hips, ankle, and spine among others. OA in this context refers to Osteoarthritis. OA can result in disability.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• The most common complaint is pain around the affected joint. OA of the knee will cause pain in the knee. Most of the pain is experienced after movement or during movement, typically in the evening, however, in some instances, it can be felt in the mornings.
• Loss of joint flexibility. For effective, efficient movement our joints are flexible, this allows us to even kick a ball, run efficiently or go on our daily activities. Once Osteoarhtis sets in we lose the ability to move the joints freely.
• Joints become stiff. Mostly morning stiffness and after-activity stiffness is experienced. This makes movement initiation difficult, however, it reduces as movement is initiated.
• We have increased joint temperature. The area surrounding the joint becomes warm.

These are just a few. Others include reduced joint space (seen on imaging) and bony growths which we call spurs/osteophytes.

Causes/risk factors. 

OA is a chronic condition. It takes time for the cartilage that cushions the bony ends that form the joint to degenerate. Due to this factor, OA is associated with advanced age. However, anyone can have arthritis at any age including children.

Females are believed to be more likely to have OA than males however it’s not clear why.

Genetics– defect in genes responsible for cartilage formation is associated highly with OA. Researchers believe the gene responsible is FAAH. You’re more likely to have OA if your family lineage has a history of OA.

overweight  -increased body weight translates to more stress at the joint, and more stress translates to the destruction of cartilage hence wear and tear.

Occupation. Jobs that put repetitive stress on the joint will result in OA.

Previous joint injury can predispose you to OA as the joint involved may start to wear and tear or may have resulted in the destruction of the cartilage.

Prevention

• Regular physical activity involving aerobics and muscle strengthening
• Take the recommended diet which is composed of calcium, iron, and magnesium among others. The best way to do so is by eating a balanced diet.
• Manage your weight in relation to your height (BMI)

Treatment/Management

• Education is the key. you will be thought about joint health, what to do and dieting.
• This includes both oral and topical NSAIDs. This will be prescribed by your primary physician or orthopaedic doctor.
• Physical therapy is the main discipline involved in the treatment of OA. The treatment depends on the stage of the disease and clinical findings. Heat and exercise are mostly used but not universal.
• Surgery in normal is the last option. this can involve joint replacement, osteotomy or joint fusion.

Exercise is key in both the management and prevention of OA. Strengthen both quads and hamstring to prevent or manage OA of the knee. Try cycling, walking and squatting among others.