How To Recognize and Treat Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a word describing joint inflammation in the body, with "arth-" meaning "joint" and "-itis" meaning inflammation. The joints are the places where bones are connected together, so that they move freely, giving mobility to the body and cushioning the joints like shock absorbers to prevent wear and damage to them. Bones can be connected together with "ball and socket", "hinge", "pivot" and "saddle " joints.

According to medical sources that address the subject of arthritis, there are as many as 100 types of arthritic conditions. In the following steps, we will look at the most common type called osteoarthritis.

1. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that exists in the world. This type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear in the joints of the body, causing deterioration of the cartilage that is found between them. Statistics state that up to 20 million adults are affected by this type of arthritis in the US, and up to 8 million adults are affected in the UK. Chances for developing osteoarthritis increase after age 40, with a 2% increase for each year following. Seniors have a 50% chance of being diagnosed with this type arthritis by age 65.
2. The symptoms of osteoarthritis. People with osteoarthritis will experience pain and stiffness in the affected joints, loss of mobility and mild to moderate inflammation. A single joint may be affected or several joints in the body, but it will usually occur in the joints that are used the most. The joint stiffness in affected areas may be more noticeable upon rising in the morning or at other times when the joints are put back into use after periods of resting them. Weight-bearing joints are the most highly affected in the body.
3. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Doctors recognize this type of arthritis by checking patients for loss of mobility and pain in joints, due to deterioration in them. An X-ray can further determine the extent of damage that has occurred and, in more sever cases, can also determine if loss of cartilage has resulted in the bones meeting together due to complete lack of joint protection. Joints that are severely affected by osteoarthritis can become fused together over time, causing complete loss of mobility in them.
4. Treatment for osteoarthritis. The treatment for this common form of arthritis may consist of lifestyle changes and/or prescribed medications. A doctor may recommend weight loss in order to reduce pressure on weight-bearing joints, as well as safe well-tolerated exercise to help keep joints mobile. Medications that may be prescribed include over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications and, in more severe cases, hydrocortisone injections in the affected joints.

   Doctors may sometimes also recommend stress reduction, which can help reduce flares of pain and inflammation. Another recommendation is to use cold or hot compresses on affected joints, which can also help in these areas. Severely affected joints that experience loss of mobility or bone fusion may require corrective surgeries.

It is important to see your doctor if you experience pain, stiffness or a feverish feeling in your joints that may indicate inflammation. Osteoarthritis can be treated more successfully when diagnosed as early as possible.