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Osteoarthritis (OA)

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Acute

What is Osteoarthritis (OA) ?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that results in the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It primarily affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine, and is more common as people age.

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Symptoms

  • Joint pain, especially after movement or activity
  • Swelling or tenderness in the affected joints
  • Decreased range of motion or difficulty with daily activities (e.g., walking, climbing stairs)
  • Joint crepitus (a grating sensation when moving the joint)

Complications

  • Disability and difficulty with mobility
  • Decreased quality of life due to pain and functional limitations
  • Increased risk of falls due to joint instability
  • Muscle weakness and joint deformities
  • Emotional and mental health effects, such as depression or anxiety, from chronic pain

Causes

  • Age: The risk increases with age due to gradual wear and tear on the joints.
  • Joint injuries: Previous injuries or trauma to the joint can increase the risk of OA.
  • Genetics: Family history may increase the likelihood of developing OA.
  • Obesity: Extra weight puts added pressure on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees.
  • Overuse or repetitive strain: Occupations or activities involving repetitive joint movements can increase risk.

Prevention

  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints, especially the knees and hips.
  • Regular physical activity to keep joints flexible and strengthen surrounding muscles.
  • Avoiding joint injuries by practicing proper ergonomics and using joint protection strategies.
  • Early intervention Identifying symptoms early and seeking treatment may help slow the progression of OA.

Risk factor

  • Age (more common in older adults)
  • Family history of osteoarthritis
  • Obesity
  • Joint injuries or overuse
  • Gender (OA is more common in women, especially after menopause)
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Treatment

Non-Pharmacological Approaches
  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around affected joints and improve mobility.
  • Weight management to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
  • Assistive devices (e.g., knee braces, orthotics) to support joint function.
Pharmacological Treatments
  • Pain relief with over-the-counter medications (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs) for managing mild to moderate pain.
  • Topical treatments (e.g., capsaicin cream) for localized pain.
  • Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may help reduce inflammation or lubricate the joint.
Surgical Options
  • Joint replacement surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacement) in advanced stages when other treatments fail to provide relief.
  • Arthroscopy may be used to remove damaged tissue in the joint.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?
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