OSTEOARTHRITIS
(Non-Inflammatory Arthritis)
VISITOR SINCE JUNE 10, 1998.
VISITOR SINCE JUNE 10, 1998.
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OSTEOARTHRITIS (abbreviated to OA) is the commonest form of joint disease. It is generally considered to be due to "wear and tear" of the joints leading to damage of the joint surfaces which gives pain on movement.
There are many factors influencing its development , including a family history of OA and previous damage to the joint through injury or surgery. OA is very common in older age groups, but can affect younger people too.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms in OA tend to get worse with activity, so that the end of the day is the worst time (in contrast to inflammatory arthritis). There may be hard, bony swelling of the joints, and a gritty feeling (or even noise) when the joint is moved (this is called crepitus).
Treatment is aimed mainly at symptom relief. Again, simple pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, and physiotherapy is also valuable in helping to strengthen muscle groups which stabilise and protect the affected joint. When weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees and ankles are involved it is important for overweight patients to loose weight, as this puts extra strain on these joints.
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