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Osteoarthritis is a Common Problem
from: Maxx Family LifeOsteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints. It's also a degenerative joint disease or arthrosis. The cause of Osteoarthritis is the wearing out of the cartilage that covers as well as cushions the inside of the joints. This ongoing "wear and tear" of the joints causes pain when bearing weight or moving the joints, which includes walking and standing.
There are about 21 million sufferers of osteoarthritis in the United States. The main symptom is chronic pain that reduces mobility and causes stiffness. The pain can be a sharp ache or burning sensation in the muscles and tendons surrounding the worn out joint. Osteoarthritis can also cause a crackling noise called crepitus when the affected joint is moved or touched. Muscle spasm and contractions int he tendons can also be experienced. Joints can sometimes fill with fluid and humid weather is often the cause of an increase in pain.
The most common areas affected by Osteoarthritis is the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees. As this disease starts to progress, the affected joints will appear larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they're used throughout the day. Hard bony enlargements called Heberden's nodes and/or Bouchard's nodes may form in the fingers. These may or may not be painful but they do limit the movement of the fingers significantly. Bunions can also form on toes affected by osteoarthritis.
There are two types of Osteoarthritis -- primary and secondary osteoarthritis. Aging is the cause of primary osteoarthritis. As a person gets older, the water and content of the cartilage decreases and its protein composition degenerates which causes the cartilage to degenerate due to repeated use or possible misuse. Inflammation often occurs, which stimulates new bone outgrowths called "spurs" to form around the joints.
The cause of secondary osteoarthritis is other conditions or diseases, including congenital disorders such as congenital hip luxation or abnormally formed joints, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, joint injuries, hormonal disorders, ligamentous deterioration or instability, obesity, osteopertrosis, sports injuries and joint surgery. This condition is usually diagnosed through x-rays.
Cartilage that has worn out by osteoarthritis is irreversible, so the purpose of treatment is simply to reduce joint pain while attempting to improve and maintain the joint's function. Treatment can range from a mild pain reliever for most cases, to high dosages of NSAIDs -- Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory-Drugs for the most severe cases. The side effects, unfortunately, includ an upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea and peptic ulcers.
Osteoarthritis can also be controlledby weight control, appropriate rest and exercise, and the use of mechanical support devices such as knee braces, a cane or a walker. Getting regular exercise including walking and swimming is recommended, as well as applying heat and cold packs after exercise along with relaxation techniques. Consult with a medical professional to get more information about this disease and appropriate treatments.
Arthritis Pain Medication News
Pain Medications
Find the safest and most cost-effective drugs for this condition. Reference from A.D.A.M. Pain medicines are also called analgesics. Every type of pain medicine has benefits and risks. Specific types of pain may respond better to one kind of medication than to another kind.
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