osteoarthritis (OA)

what is it?

arthritis basically means inflammation of the joints. osteoarthritis is the commonest joint condition that is effecting the population worldwide. it mainly affect the joint cartilage & and the tissue next to the cartilage. In joints with OA, the cartilage becomes damaged and worn, hence OA is often called the 'wear and tear' condition.

who gets it?

OA becomes more common with increasing age, therefore, most cases develop in people over 50. By the age of 65, at least half of people have some OA in some joint(s). It is mild in many cases, but about 1 in 10 people over 65 have a major disability due to OA (mainly due to OA of the hip or knee).

other associated risk factors include genetics, obesity and ethnicity.

which joints are affected?

The hips, knees, finger joints, thumb joints, and lower spine are the common joints affected. Less commonly affected joints are shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, and toe joints. In many cases, just a few joints develop symptoms with one or two becoming the most troublesome. In some people, OA develops in many joints.

what are the symptoms?

classical feature include pain, stiffness, swelling and limitation of joint movements. . The severity of symptoms varies. In many older people, OA is mild, does not become worse, and does not make you any more disabled than expected for your age. A common wrong belief is that OA is always a progressive and serious disease

what are the treatments?

basics things such as cut smoking, exercise, reduce weight, eat healthily, use walking aid if necessary and go to physiotherapist for advice.

other than not, paracetemol (panadol) is often used to relief pain along side with other mom steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. other medications include hyaluronic acid injection, glucosamine. and if the condition is severe, joint replacements will be required.

*credit to patient.co.uk