• What is osteoarthritis? • What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis? • How is osteoarthritis diagnosed? • What is the treatment for osteoarthritis? • What about surgery? What is osteoarthritis?   Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is also called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. Almost everyone is affected by it to some extent as they grow older. It most frequently occurs in weight-bearing joints, mainly knees, hips, and ankles. This form of arthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of each bone in a joint. Normally, cartilage acts as a shock absorber, providing a smooth surface between the bones. But with osteoarthritis, the smooth surface becomes rough and pitted. In advanced stages, it may wear away completely. Without their normal gliding surfaces, the bones grind against one another, causing inflammation, pain and restricted movement. Bone spurs may form.  Osteoarthritis can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary osteoarthritis has an unknown cause, while secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease, infection, injury, or deformity. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint and adjacent bone. As the cartilage wears down, the bone ends may thicken, forming bony growths or spurs that interfere with joint movement. In addition, bits of bone and cartilage may float in the joint space and fluid-filled cysts may form in the bone, limiting joint movement. Several risk factors are associated with osteoarthritis, including the following: Heredity Slight joint defects or double-jointedness (laxity) and genetic defects may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Obesity Excessive weight can put undue stress on such joints as the knees over time. Injury/overuse Significant injury to a joint, such as the knee, can later result in osteoarthritis. Injury may also result from repeated overuse or misuse over a period of time. RETURN TO TOP      What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?   The number one symptom is pain after overuse of a joint or prolonged inactivity of a joint. The pain is caused by irritation and pressure on nerve endings, as well as muscle tension and fatigue. The pain can progress from mild soreness and aching with movement to severe pain, even when resting. The second symptom is loss of easy movement, such as bending or rising normally. Morning stiffness is a problem for many people. This lack of mobility, in turn, often causes the muscles serving the knee or hip to weaken, and overall body coordination suffers. The most common joints affected by osteoarthritis include the hips, knees, fingers, feet, and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually develop slowly over many years. The following are the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis. However each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Joint pain Joint stiffness, especially after sleeping or inactivity Limited joint movement as the disease progresses Grating of joints when moved (in more advanced stages of osteoarthritis) as the cartilage wears away Back pain Numbness Weakness in an arm or leg (in more advanced stages) The symptoms of osteoarthritis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. RETURN TO TOP      How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?   In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, a simple weight-bearing X-ray and examination by a skilled orthopedic doctor will determine if you have osteoarthritis. Time-consuming and costly diagnostic procedures are not required. Your doctor may perform a joint aspiration, which involves a removal of fluid from the swollen bursa to exclude infection or gout as possible causes. RETURN TO TOP      What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?   There is no cure for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility, and fatigue that are among its most disabling symptoms.  Specific treatment for osteoarthritis will be determined by your physician based on: your age, overall health, and medical history extent of the condition your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies expectation for the course of the condition your opinion or preference The goals of treatment for osteoarthritis are to reduce joint pain and stiffness, and improve joint movement. Treatment may include: • Exercise and Rest - Regular, aerobic exercise, and stretching and strengthening exercises may help reduce the symptoms of and pain associated with osteoarthritis.   Prolonged rest and days of inactivity will increase stiffness and make it harder to move around. Motion is lotion for arthritis! At the same time, excessive or improper exercise can overwork your arthritic joint and cause further damage. A balanced routine of rest and exercise is best. • Heat Treatment - Treating the affected joint with heat may help reduce pain. • Physical and Occupational Therapy -Physical and occupational therapy may help to reduce joint pain, improve joint flexibility when performing daily activities, and reduce joint strain. • Weight Maintenance - Maintaining your recommended weight or losing weight (if overweight) may help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. There is no evidence that any specific foods will prevent or relieve arthritis symptoms. It’s important to keep thin, however, because excess weight aggravates arthritis by putting added pressure on the knee and hip. • Injections of Thick Liquids into the Joints -These liquids mimic normal joint fluid. Hyaluronate is a new treatment that lubricates the knees and can reduce pain for 9-12 months. It’s the first major breakthrough in 20 years for arthritis knee pain. Hyalgan is the brand name, and five injections are given into the knee one week apart.   • Medication - Medication for specific symptoms may include pain relievers (in pill form or topical cream) and anti-inflammatory medications, if inflammation is present. Coated aspirin helps relieve pain and has few side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Voltaren, Feldene, Naprosyn, and Clinoril, are prescription drugs for pain and inflammations. Do not take aspirin if you are taking NSAIDS.   • Cortisone Shots - Cortisone shots are given for inflammation. For many people, joint arthritis is often made symptom-free for months or even years after cortisone shots. Four to six shots a year can be given without any dangerous side effects.   • Joint Surgery -  Surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a severely damaged joint. RETURN TO TOP      What about surgery?   • Arthroscopy - Arthroscopic procedures are not generally helpful for arthritis. In some cases, a “flap” of torn knee cartilage can aggravate arthritis and cause additional pain. The cartilage flap can be removed by arthroscopy.   • Knee or Hip Replacement - Knee replacement or hip replacement may be a very positive solution to the pain and disability of advanced osteoarthritis. The rough, worn surfaces of the joint are relined with smooth-surfaced metal and plastic components.   RETURN TO TOP