An estimated 27 million Americans have some degree of osteoarthritis.
, which is the most common form of , is a progressive disorder caused by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints. Osteoarthritis involves the entire joint, including the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments and underlying bone. In addition to reducing joint mobility, osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and weakness that can negatively impact an individual’s ability to perform routine tasks and consequently reduce his or her overall quality of life. According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated 27 million individuals in the United States have some degree of osteoarthritis.
Although osteoarthritis can occur in individuals of any age, its incidence increases with age, especially in those 65 years and older. In fact, osteoarthritis is considered the leading cause of disability among elderly individuals. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but the most commonly affected areas are the joints of the fingers, base of the thumbs, hips, knees, neck, big toes and lower back. The elbows and ankles may also be affected. The extent of osteoarthritis and which joints are affected vary; many individuals experience issues with range of motion. Some patients with osteoarthritis may need assistance completing daily tasks such as climbing stairs, walking, lifting or grasping objects and getting up from a seated position.
Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis typically develops slowly and worsens over time, especially if left untreated. Risk factors can be classified as genetic, metabolic or environmental. Common risk factors associated with osteoarthritis include the following:
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis symptoms typically develop gradually, with variable severity. The most common signs and symptoms include the following:
If you suspect you have osteoarthritis, your physician will review your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also perform a physical examination and order other tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and blood tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other disorders.
Treating Osteoarthritis
Although there's no cure for osteoarthritis, a variety of treatment options can help decrease pain and maintain joint mobility. Typically, the main goal of osteoarthritis treatment is to improve the patient’s overall quality of life by relieving pain and enhancing joint mobility and function. Treatment may require a combination of medication, and lifestyle modifications. Therapy is individualized depending on various factors, including the severity of the osteoarthritis, the patient’s symptoms and his or her current medical history, medication profile and allergy history.
Available medications for osteoarthritis include oral, topical or injectable over-the-counter and prescription formulations. Commonly used oral medications include analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal . Supplements for joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are marketed as well. Topical analgesics such as capsaicin cream are applied directly to the skin. Your physician may also recommend corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief. To ensure safety and avoid potential drug interactions, always consult your physician or pharmacist before taking any , including supplements.
Other therapies include physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, rest, heat and cold therapy, weight loss and the use of support devices to take strain off joints, such as canes and splints. In some cases, surgery is warranted.
Living With Osteoarthritis
Individuals with osteoarthritis can lead normal and active lives, especially if osteoarthritis is identified early and treated properly. You can become an active partner in your treatment by:
If you have osteoarthritis, take a proactive role in your health and discuss the various available treatment plans with your primary health care provider so that you can make . Although there may be challenges along the way, research from the National Institutes of Health demonstrate that individuals with osteoarthritis who take part in their care report less pain and require fewer physician visits. By empowering yourself with essential information about osteoarthritis, you can take control of your condition and lead an active and productive life.
Note: This article was originally published on Jan. 13, 2015 on . It has been edited and republished by U.S. News. The original version, with references, can be seen .