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Osteoarthritis is also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease and OA

Is a joint disease that is often seen as the degradation of Joints.

Falls under the general category of – Arthritis

Cartilage and subchondral bone are often involved.

Often cartilage protects the bone and when it is gone, subchondral bone is exposed and damaged.

Loss of muscle mass [atrophy] may result because lack of use.

Inflammation may be seen but it is not a principal feature of this disease.

But this disease must not be confused with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is an autoimmune disease

Joints Affected:

1.) Hands
2.) Feet
3.) Spine
4.) Hips
5.) Knees
6.) Fingers
7.) Toes
8.) Others

Symptoms

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Worsening pain when cold
• Tenderness
• Creaking [crepitus]
• Locking of joints
• Pain with movement
• Difficulty walking

Heberden’s nodes and Bouchard’s nodes – which are nodes in the joints of the fingers can be seen

Timeline

• Often seen in “older” men and women
• OA takes time to develop
• Affects 27 million Americans
• Affects 8 million in United Kingdom
• On average 80% of people will have finding by age 65
• Only 60% will have symptoms

Types

1.) Primary

• Chronic degenerative disorder
• Age may be related
• Some older individuals may have no arthritis

2.) Secondary

• Causes are secondary to the disease
• Resulting is the same for Primary
• Resulting from injury to obesity and others

Causes or Relations

• Mechanical stress on joints
• Congenital causes
• Pathogenic causes
• Overweight
• Loss of muscle strength supporting joints
• Injury
• Trauma
• Related to Aging
• Inflammation diseases
• Genetic relation

Diagnosis

• Labs are nor specific and are not accepted for diagnostic purposes
• Clinical examination is essential
• Confirmation is done through X-rays

Treatment

1.) Lifestyle Changes or Modifications

• Weight control
• Appropriate sleep and rest
• Exercise
• Walking and Swimming are recommended
• Devices to help with mechanical movement
• Knee braces and other braces
• Heat and cold packs as needed

2.) Exercise, Stretching and professional visits

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Chiropractors
•   – each may be beneficial in teaching stretching and exercise techniques

Improvement can be seen in:

• Gait
• Functionality
• Strength
• Decreased pain
• and others

3.) Medication

.  Tylenol [Paracetamol]
.  Ibuprofen
.  Other NSAIDs
.  Celebrex [celecoxib]
.  Oral Steroids
.  Opioid medications in severe cases
.  Topical treatment as well – Creams and lotions

4.) Surgery

• Joint replacement may be helpful

5.) Alternative

• Acupuncture
• Glucosamine/Chondroitin
• Ginger
• Bromelain
• Vitamin B9 and B12
• Others