Also referred to as degenerative joint disease and OA

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

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, and Chiropractors may be beneficial in teaching stretching and exercise techniques
- Improvement in balance, gait, functionality and others can be expected.

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