According to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, "osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, in which the tissues in the joint break down over time." The joint tissue that breaks down is called joint cartilage. Cartilage is a strong but flexible lining covering the ends of bones that form joints. Overuse of joints, injuries, excess weight, aging and some other conditions cause the cartilage wearing out and developing osteoarthritis. The most common affected joints are knees followed by hips, hands, neck and lower back.
Osteoarthritis develops gradually, over time and affects each person in different ways. The symptoms might be a source of mild discomfort for one person or cause significant pain and even immobility for another. How fast osteoarthritis progresses and severity of symptoms depends on some factors including being overweight, joint injuries in the past, genetics and overall health.
Currently there is no cure for osteoarthritis but recognizing its symptoms in early stage and making lifestyle changes may considerably delay the progression of this disease.
Early signs of osteoarthritis
Pain in affected joints and joint stiffness are the signals that you might have osteoarthritis. Joint pain is usually the earliest sign and the one that brings people to a doctor's office. Pain is usually dull or achy and it comes and goes. Overdoing an activity such as repetitive movements at work, heavy lifting or sports cause joints to ache. Resting generally relieves this pain. People might also have joints pain after they wake up in the morning or after a long period of rest. Along with pain, people experience joint stiffness or temporary loss of flexibility in the morning, or after resting for awhile, they can hardly walk. Morning stiffness doesn't last long. After walking, stretching and moving, the joints get lubricated and stiffness goes away.
Joint pain and stiffness are mild in early stages of osteoarthritis and cause only slight discomfort. But recognizing symptoms and taking action is very important in managing these symptoms and preventing them from becoming severe.
Tips for slowing the progression of osteoarthritis
If you notice joint pain and stiffness, you might want to visit your doctor who will perform a physical examination and may order X-rays to confirm diagnosis. You could also discuss with the doctor some treatment options to manage symptoms and lessen osteoarthritis effects on your daily life.
Reduce work-related impact on joints by taking frequent breaks if your job requires repetitive motions, using proper body mechanics when lifting weights or utilizing available ergonomic devices and tools.
Low-impact exercises like stretching, walking, swimming or lifting light weights strengthen the muscles around joints without straining them, improve flexibility and balance. Your doctor might recommend physical therapy where a specialist will create a custom exercise program for you.
Maintain a healthy weight or shed those extra pounds. Excess weight means extra stress on your joints and even a slight weight reduction can lead to significant improvement of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Healthy diet. Avoiding processed food and foods high in sugar, and trans fat helps not only to lose weight but also reduce inflammation. Inflammation is associated with further cartilage loss and worsening of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Stress management techniques have become an essential part of our stressful lives. Simple techniques such as mindful breathing and relaxation are proven ways in reducing pain and inflammation.
Although osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent disorders among older population, it doesn't have to inevitably lead to disability in most cases as it currently does. Paying attention to early signals and taking simple self-care actions make good quality living with osteoarthritis a reality.
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Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board