Osteoarthritis is a condition in which cartilage deteriorates and becomes softer and thinner. This process can take place especially in the joints of the neck, back, knees, hips, fingers and toes. It’s a chronic rheumatic disease, slow-moving, but progressive. It is the most common and affects more women than men. In older people, this difference disappears, and the suffering can be seen equally in both sexes.
What is osteoarthritis?
No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s several factors. It would be, first, hereditary factors, then another factor is overuse of the joints long supported, for example due to overweight, work to achieve a very heavy, long and difficult sport or sports injuries. This is not the main cause of osteoarthritis, but may help the disease to quickly install or move faster.
How to make a diagnosis for this disease?
First, to diagnose any disease, the doctor will use what he tells the patient and a physical examination, and depending on the problems found will continue the investigation. The same is true for osteoarthritis. Sometimes the doctor will request X-rays, but they are not always conclusive. It may be that X-rays look good, although the patient has great pain. Osteoarthritis can not be diagnosed based on blood tests, but if the doctor also considers other conditions, then they will perform specific analysis.
What is remarkable for osteoarthritis?
-The first problem that a patient is feeling pain, which may occur in any joint affected by osteoarthritis. In addition to pain many people suffer from joint stiffness, especially after a rest period. Then moves stiff joints and more difficult, so we can talk about limitations of movement. Also, sometimes the joint may be swollen, and this is the result of inflammation and the production of excess fluid in the joints. And in a more serious stage of arthritis, bone position may change.
What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?
There is a therapy exercises help keep muscles and joints functioning and there is also pain medication of siffness. In a later stage, joints can be affected so that it requires an operation to replace the joint with an artificial one. The doctor will indicate a prescription for painkillers or anti-inflammatory, or if the problems are intensifying, reference is made to a specialist, a physiotherapist, a rheumatologist or orthopedist. There are no drugs to cure arthritis, but to somehow diminish pain and analgesics can be used most currently used is paracetamol. If this, paracetamol, is not enough, your doctor may prescribe so-called NSAIDs, which reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness. Can be used for a variety of creams and injections.
