Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage—the protective tissue at the ends of bones. It is the most common type of arthritis and usually affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. OA leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially in older adults.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Aging (most common factor)
- Obesity
- Previous joint injury
- Genetic predisposition
- Repetitive stress on joints (sports or occupation)
- Weak muscles
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Reduced range of motion
- Joint swelling (mild)
- Cracking or grinding sound (crepitus)
- Weakness around the affected joint
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination – joint tenderness, crepitus, limited movement
- X-ray – joint space narrowing, osteophytes
- MRI – useful in early disease
- Blood tests to rule out inflammatory diseases (RA)
Treatment Goals
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Improve joint mobility
- Slow progression of cartilage damage
- Enhance quality of life
Treatment Options
1. Non-Drug (First-Line) Management
- Weight reduction for overweight individuals
- Regular exercise (walking, swimming, cycling)
- Physiotherapy and strengthening exercises
- Use of walking aids if needed
- Hot and cold packs for pain relief
2. Medications
Analgesics
- Paracetamol – first choice for mild pain
NSAIDs
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
Used when paracetamol is ineffective. Monitor for gastrointestinal and kidney side effects.
Topical Agents
- Topical NSAIDs (diclofenac gel)
- Capsaicin cream
Intra-articular Therapy
- Corticosteroid injections – short-term relief
- Hyaluronic acid injections – improve lubrication
3. Disease-Modifying Options
Although OA is not an autoimmune disease, some supplements may help:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin sulfate
4. Surgery
- Joint replacement (hip or knee) in advanced OA
Complications
- Chronic pain
- Joint deformity
- Reduced mobility
- Functional disability
Patient Counseling
- Encourage regular, low-impact exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Use medications as prescribed
- Do not rely solely on pain relievers
- Use supportive devices if needed
- Follow physiotherapy routines consistently
Detailed Notes:
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