Causes and Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis
James Hunt
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. It is one of the oldest
and most commonly known types of arthritis. When a person suffers from OA
there is a breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Since cartilage itself is
there to act as a cushion between the bones, when this breakdown and wears
away the bones will begin rubbing together and this can cause some serious
pain as well as limitations in movement and in some cases loss of movement
completely.
What Causes Osteoartritis?
There are many factors affecting the onset of osteoarthritis. Since it is
more commonly found in middle to older aged people, medical professionals
had made the mistake of thinking that age was a contributing factor.
However, research has shown that age is not a leading factor to the onset of
Osteoarthritis. However, doctors and medical professionals have found that
being overweight does have some effect. When a person is overweight or
obese, they are more likely to experience some pain in the knees and in most
cases will develop OA in these areas. People who have experienced some kind of
injury in the joints, either due to playing sports or through work are
more likely to develop OA.
There have been incidences of OA in people who have been born with some kind
of genetic condition that affects the joints in some way. OA is most
commonly found in the hands.
Treatment Options
Exercises to keep joints flexible and improve muscle strength
Many different medications are used to control pain, including
corticosteroids and NSAIDs. Glucocorticoids injected into joints that are
inflamed and not responsive to NSAIDS. For mild pain without inflammation,
acetaminophen may be used.
Heat/cold therapy for temporary pain relief
Joint protection to prevent strain or stress on painful joints
Surgery (sometimes) to relieve chronic pain in damaged joints
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher
covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest.
Read more at
www.osteoarthritis-central.info
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