Arthritis

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis.  This degenerative disease is seen mostly in older people, but can develop earlier in life as well. 

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is "wear and tear" arthritis.  It is primarily due to the break down of cartilage, which normally cushions joints and provides for smoother movement between bones.  Cartilage naturally breaks down as the body ages.  However, continual use of a joint can accelerate this process causing faster breakdown.

Osteoarthritis causes stiffness and swelling in the affected joints.  This can limit mobility.  The stiffness is worse in the morning and gradually decreases throughout the day as you use the joint. 

What is affected?

The most commonly affected joints are the fingers or hands, knees, hips, and spine. 

• Osteoarthritis of the hands seems to have some genetic component.  It is also more common in women than men.
• The knees are the most commonly affected joint.  It can be disabling when it severely limits mobility.
• In osteoarthritis of the hip, pain can also be felt in the groin, knees, buttocks, or thighs.
• Osteoarthritis of the spine can cause pain in the neck or lower back.  In some cases, it can also cause pressure on nerves, leading to numbness

Warning Signs

The Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis: 

• Stiffness in a joint in the morning or after sitting for a long time
• Swelling in one or more joints
• A crunching feeling or sound in your joints
• Redness or heat is NOT a sign of osteoarthritis

Treatment

Osteoarthritis is treated with exercise, weight control, anti-inflammatory drugs, resting the joints, non-drug pain relief, and surgery. 

• Exercise:  Research has shown exercise to be one of the best treatments for arthritis.  It not only helps reduce stiffness but also improves your mood.  Your doctor will recommend exercises that are safe and best for your particular arthritis.
• Weight control:  If you are overweight, this adds more pressure to the painful joints, especially the knees and hips.  Losing some of the excess weight can reduce some of the pain and increase mobility.  Talking with a dietitian can help you safely and successfully lose weight.
• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:  Over-the-counter pain relievers are the most common treatment.  Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can all be used to help with the pain.  More powerful prescriptions are also available if more pain relief is needed.  If you are on prescription pain relievers, talk with your doctor about what over-the-counter drugs are still safe to take too.
• Rest the Joints:  If you have arthritis, you need to learn when it is time to stop or slow down.  Splints and canes can also be used to help rest the joints.  However, it is important to not use these continually, as it can increase stiffness and cause muscle weakness.
• Non-drug Pain Relief:  Heat or cold packs can be used to minimize pain and swelling.  Massage can help increase blood flow and decrease pain.  However, make sure you use a massage therapist trained in working with arthritis patients, as the joints are also very sensitive.  Incorrectly massaging the joints could cause more pain.
• Surgery:  Surgery is often the last resort.  It can help reduce the pain.  Surgery can involve smoothing of the bone, removing loose bone or cartilage, or replacing the joint with an artificial one.  As with any procedure, there are risks to surgery, and it does not always remove all of the pain and symptoms. 

Adapted from:  National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases