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What You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis

10:02 27th March 2018 | Chronic Disease

Chronic Disease Older People Osteoarthritis Degenerative Joint Disease Degenerative Arthritis Wear-and-Tear Arthristis Global Disability Symptomatic Knee OA Increase in Nigeria Ages 40 and Above 1 in 5 Adults Broken Cartilage Affected Joints

Any adult can suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), but this chronic disease mostly affects older people and can cause disability. Other names for OA include degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthritis and wear-and-tear arthritis. Knee OA is one of the leading causes of global disability.

FACTS

Knee OA is a prevalent condition in Nigeria and a public health burden
Evidence in earlier studies suggested OA prevalence in Nigeria is increasing
1 out of every 5 adults, aged 40 and older, has symptomatic knee OA with a point prevalence of 19.6%

What is Osteoarthritis?

Cartilage is the rubberlike, flexible tissue you find at the end of bones. It acts as a protective ‘cushion’ between bones that rub against each other in a joint. Joints connect bones in the body.

OA is the result of cartilage breaking down. With reduced cushioning, bones end up rubbing together which typically results in stiffness and pain, among other symptoms. Cartilage can wear away completely.

This progressive condition has five stages and although damage is irreversible, the disease can be managed with treatment.

The most commonly affected joints include the fingertips, hands, hips, knees and spine (generally neck or lower back region).

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Obesity
Poor posture
Genetic factors
Gender: More common and severe in women
Age: Age-related joint damage / wear and tear
Other forms of arthritis, e.g. gout or rheumatoid arthritis
Past injury: e.g. ligament injuries, dislocated joints and torn cartilage
Joint abnormalities: from birth or developed in childhood, e.g. Perthes’ disease of the hips
Career/job: physical labour where activities are repetitive or performed for hours at a time
Bleeding disorders (e.g. hemophilia and avascular necrosis) or medical conditions that involve bleeding near a joint

What Symptoms are Associated with Osteoarthritis?

Common symptoms include:

Pain
Inflammation
Joint stiffness
Loss of flexibility
Reduced range of motion
Tenderness when touched
Changes in joint appearance
Abnormal sensations (caused by rubbing bones)
Discomfort limited to specific times (usually during the early stages)

When Osteoarthritis Gets Worse

As OA progresses through the stages (0 to 4), pain can become worse and may be accompanied by swelling in and around the joint(s). Severe OA is represented by stage 4 (stage 0 = normal joint).

Note: The condition can stabilise meaning not all OA suffers necessarily progress to stage 4.

Extensive or complete loss of cartilage, that occurs in Individuals with severe OA, can lead to:

Increased swelling and inflammation caused by excess synovial fluid or fragments of broken-off cartilage floating within this fluid
Increased pain when performing activities, during the course of the day and even when resting
Decreased range of motion caused by stiffness and/or pain
Falling and/or injury caused by joint instability (locking knees; buckling)
Weakening muscles, occurrence of bone spurs and even joint deformity

Osteoarthritis Treatment

OA cannot be cured or reversed, but the symptoms can be managed. Recommended treatment will vary according to need and severity.

First consult a doctor before trying any of the following home treatments, lifestyle changes and other treatments or suggestions:

Physical therapy
Massage therapy
Lose weight if advised
Get enough sleep and rest
Ask a healthcare professional about heat and/or cold therapies
Supplements: fish oil, green tea, ginger and glucosamine may help with inflammation and pain
Exercise: consult a healthcare professional to determine what forms of exercises are safe and how long you can engage in them
Eat healthy, nutritious food that contain vitamins C and D, antioxidants, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids (found in fruits and vegetables)