What is osteoarthritis arthritis?

Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling like your joints were glued together? Maybe the stairs have become a formidable enemy and every movement feels like torturous agony. Well, my friend, it’s possible that you might be dealing with osteoarthritis arthritis – one of the most common types of arthritis out there.

Introduction

Osteoarthritis arthritis affects millions of people around the world and occurs when the protective cartilage on your joint surfaces breaks down over time (which sucks). This breaking down can lead to pain, stiffness, inflammation and even other health problems if left untreated (which sucks even more!).

Symptoms

As we mentioned earlier, some common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Inflammation
• Joint tenderness

Now before you start freaking out at every single twinge or twitch from your body (we’ve all done it)! It’s important not to self-diagnose based on this list alone. Always schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare provider to rule things out properly.

Risk Factors

Did you know that there are some factors that can help predict whether or not someone will develop osteoarthritis? No?! Well then pay close attention because here they come:

Age

The risk for developing osteoarthritis increases as we age – especially after 50 years old. As our bodies age so does our joint structure which makes us more susceptible to injury/damage leading towards OA development.

Gender

According to research men are slightly less likely than women to develop symptomatic OA particularly in hands/wrist; however women tend tail behind their male counterparts by just few numbers likewise knee often evidences higher prevalence rate among females given generally wider pelvises putting additional pressure-stress onto knees(femur-tibia).

Obesity

Obesity puts far-reaching strain on our already fragile bones and joints, particularly where weight-bearing is required (e.g. hips or knees). Extra pounds may increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis, as well lead to a host of other complications.

Injury

As John Lyly once said – “The most painless way to ease a heavy heart is through humor” – which confirmed that injury can take the wind out of anyone’s sails. Strains/sprains and breaks/fractures in your body parts can eventually cause OA(pun intended).

Causes

Now it’s time for us to get nerdy about what actually causes OA:

• Genetic disposition
• Joint injuries
• Repetitive overuse
• Bone deformities
• Muscle weakness

These factors combined put added wear-and-tear on our joint cartilage. Without proper management and care (like my mental health) these situations evolve into arthritic conditions.

Diagnosis

So you’ve noticed some symptoms (good job) – now it’s time for step 2: diagnosing OA! You should definitely consult with your doctor if you believe you are exhibiting any signs or unusual discomfort/inflammation within your body.

Some common methods used by PCPs include:

| X-Rays | MRI’s      | CT Scans   |
|--------|------------|------------|
|Ultrasound imaging technology      |

Using medical imagery allows doctors to see how much damage has occurred within their patient’s affected areas, allowing more appropriate treatment decisions

It’s important not to ignore pain or just mask symptoms via medication without identifying root cause(s).

Treatment Options

Here are some unique treatment options available for people struggling with osteoarthritis arthritis:

Exercise/Physical Therapy

Personally speaking exercise-in-general bores me leaving me unmotivated; however individuals diagnosed may find this helpful towards promoting flexibility, strategic weight loss/stretching whereas strengthening crucial muscles in mobility-associated areas to prevent further joint damage.

Medications

A variety of medications exist that can help ease osteoarthritis pain, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen . It’s important to always follow your doctor’s instructions on proper dosages for these types of treatments. Mixing medicines willy-nilly(however tempting it may be!) can put individuals at risk of severe adverse effects/potentially life-threatening situations.

Alternative/Complementary Treatments

Alternative medicine is a form which practices alongside/w/o conventional western science; it includes acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, massage therapies – though efficacy claims & safety concerns are still being questioned scientifically.

Conclusion

Now you know what Osteoarthritis arthritis really is – yet we’re not suggesting self-diagnosing! Remember there’s no cure for OA but many people learn how to manage their symptoms successfully through medic/holistic interventions.

It’s suggested consulting with family doctors or rheumatologists prior making any decisions regarding perceived arthritic conditions. Keep in mind exercises will vary between persons so personal care plans must be discussed accordingly too!