CONDITION OVERVIEW
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, often referred to as "wear-and-tear" or degenerative joint disease. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually breaks down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced function as bone begins to rub against bone. While OA can affect any joint, it most frequently occurs in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Although the degenerative process cannot be reversed, many highly effective treatments are available to manage pain, improve mobility, and help you maintain an active life.
RISK FACTORS
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in our joints breaks down faster than the body can repair it. While aging is the primary factor, several other risks can accelerate this process.
The biggest risk factor. The cumulative wear and tear on our joints over a lifetime means the risk of OA increases significantly as we get older.
A past trauma like a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscal injury can lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis in that joint years later.
Certain jobs or sports that place repetitive stress on a particular joint can cause the cartilage to wear out more quickly.
A family history can predispose you to OA. Excess body weight significantly increases the stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
The symptoms of osteoarthritis typically develop slowly and worsen over time. They are most often localized to the specific joints affected by wear and tear.
An aching pain in the joint that is most noticeable during or after movement. As OA progresses, pain may occur even at rest.
A classic sign is joint stiffness upon waking up or after being inactive. It typically improves with movement and lasts less than 30 minutes.
The affected joint and the surrounding area may feel tender when you apply light pressure.
You may not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion, making actions like bending your knee or rotating your neck difficult.
You might feel or hear a grating or crunching sensation (crepitus) when you use the joint, caused by bone surfaces rubbing together.
Hard lumps of extra bone can form around the arthritic joint. In the spine, these bone spurs can sometimes press on nerves.
The daily pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis can keep you from the activities you love. But "wear and tear" doesn't have to mean the end of your active life. Modern pain management offers a wide range of effective, non-surgical options to reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and enhance your quality of life. Contact us to learn about a personalized treatment plan for your arthritis.