Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder of joints that worsens over time. It is caused by breakdown of protein substance in the joints namely cartilage. The joints of knee, hip, feet, spine, hand and wrists are affected by this disease. Aging, obesity, joint injuries, some genetic factors and inflammatory response are some of the possible causes of osteoarthritis. Due to denegation of cartilage, there is an irritation and inflammation of the cartilage which can cause pain, swelling, tenderness and inflammation of the joints.
Inflammation of joints can lead to difficulties in daily activities such as walking, sitting, climbing up and down stairs and driving. Joint pain and loss of mobility may significantly worsen the quality of life. There may be development of some complications of osteoarthritis as the disease becomes chronic and severe. Because of rapid degeneration, the cartilage breaks into tiny pieces and floats inside the synovial fluid. It can cause an irritation to other soft tissues which is known as chondrolysis. As this disease progresses, there is total loss of cartilage which results in inflammation of joints. There is friction between the bones due to formation of bony spurs. In some cases, there may be development of various deformities in joints and bones.
Other possible complications of osteoarthritis are osteonecrosis (bone death), stress fractures, bleeding inside the joint, infection in the joint, deterioration of ligaments and tendons, pinched nerve, sacroillitis, ganglion cysts, spinal stenosis, water on knee, bunions, Hammer toe and Herberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes. All these complications can lead to decreased ability of a person to perform routine daily activities. This disability can impart adverse effects on physical and mental health of the individual.
Some complications of osteoarthritis that can affect the lifestyle of a person are depression, anxiety, limits on daily activities, job limitations, feeling helpless and loss of everyday family joys and responsibilities. Hence, the treatments for osteoarthritis focus on reducing pain and disability of joints and improving flexibility and mobility of joints. Treatment for osteoarthritis is the combination of medications, exercise, alternative and complementary medicines and surgical options.
The medications for osteoarthritis include pain relievers such as Tylenol, Panadal, Anacin-3, Valadol, propoxyphene (Darvon) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), aspirin and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn). In addition to these medications, some natural remedies such as chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM can offer promising pain relief.
Regular exercise is also a significant factor to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can help to reduce the stiffness and pain in the joints, increases the strength of joints and muscles and improves the flexibility and mobility of the joints. In addition to that, it can help to maintain a healthy body weight and control obesity. Besides that, some complementary and alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, homeopathy and magnetic therapy are also helpful to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
