Facts About Osteoarthritis
The Arthritis Foundation claims that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain and swelling in the joints of the hands, knees, hips and spine. This pain is due to the stiffening of joints or the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the bones and prevents them from rubbing together. Doctors use other terms to describe osteoarthritis, such as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthrosis, hypertrophic arthritis and degenerative arthritis.
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Causes
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The primary cause of osteoarthritis is age, as many of the sufferers are older than 55. However, other risk factors include weight, genetic defects in joint cartilage, sports injuries and metabolic conditions. In athletes, osteoarthritis occurs after years of training and placing repeated pressure on the hips, knees and backs.
Symptoms
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The common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain that worsens after exercise or when placing weight on the affected area, joint swelling, limited mobility and stiff joints in the morning. In some cases, people hear cracking noses when walking.
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Diagnoses and Treatment
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Osteoarthritis is difficult to diagnose. Doctors perform x-rays and blood tests to check fluid levels in the joints, then may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. In severe cases, doctors recommend physical therapy and surgery. Doctors will likely tell patients to make necessary lifestyle changes to improve their condition.
Lifestyle Changes
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People with osteoarthritis can make lifestyle changes to reduce pain associated with this condition. People who are overweight should lose weight. Exercising and eating a balanced diet controls the symptoms related to osteoarthritis. Resting and applying heat and cold compresses reduces inflammation and pain as well.
Alternative Treatments
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Acupuncture and treatments by a chiropractor relieve pain in many individuals. Other alternative treatments for osteoarthritis include sitting in a hot tub for at least 30 minutes after physical activity or at the end of the day before bedtime. Herbal supplements like glucosamine relieve pain in many people. However, before using herbs to relieve osteoarthritis, check with your doctor, especially if you are taking prescription medication.
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