Joint pain is a common disease for adults and especially in people between 40 and above. Younger generations may also experience it due to various factors like injury, inflammation, or underlying health conditions and lifestyle. There is cumulative wear and tear in the joints that starts to ache and lead to severe joint pain issues and osteoarthritis is the most common cause of this symptom. Older people do not consult a doctor and the joint pain and stiffness are mostly seen as an inevitable part of aging for which the doctor can do little. People with any slight symptoms of joint pain should consult a doctor before it’s too late for recovery.
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as a degenerative joint disease. It is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. As per data of 2019, approximately 528 million people globally were living with osteoarthritis, marking a 113% increase since 1990, The knee is the most frequently affected joint, with a prevalence of 365 million cases globally.
But what does osteoarthritis mean? Let’s dig deeper into this. It is a condition characterized by the gradual wear-and-tear of joint cartilage, which cushions and protects the ends of bones. When the cartilage deteriorates, bones can rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and decreased mobility. It is most likely to affect the joints that bear heavy weight, such as the knee and the foot. Also the joints that are used a lot in everyday life like the joints of hand are also commonly affected. When the joint develops osteoarthritis, a part of the cartilage thins and the surface becomes rougher. This means the joint doesn’t move as smoothly as it should.
What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?
Age – As you enter the age group of 30 to 40, there you are more prone to get Osteoarthritis because the joint cartilage naturally deteriorates over time as you age.
Genetics – Genetic or family history can play a significant role in getting joint pain and joint diseases.
Joint Injuries – Stress on joints can lead to joint diseases and contribute to cartilage damage or any kind of previous injuries may also contribute to Osteoarthritis.
Excessive Workouts – Especially seen in younger age group doing aggressive workouts and exercises without maintaining precautions may lead to joint pain and further cause Osteoarthritis. As people who are involved in repetitive motion activities or heavy lifting may increase the risk of joint diseases.
Obesity – Excess weight may put an additional weight on joints like the knee, hips and foot as they are the weight bearing joints and certainly lead to cartilage damage.
Improper Diet – Some people find certain food items to trigger their pain and make them worse. They are not aware of what they are eating and what they should avoid eating. So, specific dietary factors affect your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis affects different people, and different joints, in different ways. But, for most people, osteoarthritis doesn’t continue to get steadily worse over time. It is commonly seen in women. For some people the pain reaches the peak and symptoms start to show and for some people the pain may come and go but never stops. The degree of damage in the cartilage will result in the density of pain you are suffering. But there are also people who have a lot of damage in their joints and suffer from extreme pain but show no symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis ?
Pain – People may undergo gradual to extreme and unbearable pain in the joints after movement or during the movement.
Stiffness – There is noticeable stiffness in the joints just after doing any movement, the trouble can be seen just after standing and before sitting. The joint may not move as freely or as far as normal.
Swelling – You can see swelling and tenderness in the affected area near the joints.
Difficulty in Movement – People will face difficulty in moving joints during movements like standing, sitting and walking.
Grinding Sensation – You can feel and hear cracking sounds from the bones when there is slight movement in the joints.
These are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis, and if you are having these symptoms you should visit the doctor for treatment without any delay.
What are the Treatments for Osteoarthritis?
One can choose treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee based on their complain, extend of disease and best available option and which aims to relieve pain, improve function, and slow disease progression. Treatment options include non-surgical, medications, and surgical approaches.
Change in Lifestyle – If you do proper exercise everyday and maintain a proper diet will help you in managing your joint diseases. Eating healthy and losing weight will decrease the stress from the joints. Doing yoga will help in strengthening the muscles around the joints and improve flexibility.
Medications – There is nothing called the best medicine for joint pain. The only medicine is to maintain a healthy life by doing exercise. There are certain pain relievers that will help you tackle the joint pain. Some osteoarthritis supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may support cartilage health, though their effectiveness can vary. For severe cases, a doctor may recommend stronger medications or corticosteroid injections.
Surgery – If the condition gets worse, there is a need for surgical intervention. There are few surgical treatment options available like arthroscopy, people can also go through joint replacement or alternatives to joint replacement- knee preserving surgeries.
You can prevent your body from getting Osteoarthritis by –
- Eating healthy
- Doing exercise
- Manage Weight
- Consider osteoarthritis supplements to support cartilage health
- Consulting your doctors when needed.
Understanding Osteoarthritis meaning, its causes, symptoms and treatments at an early stage will help you to manage and deal with your joint disease or joint pain. If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms, you should see a doctor and take actions accordingly to maintain your health and have a quality life.
