Osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis among middle aged and older adults, especially over 65 years but people of any age can develop it According to a study almost 70 percent of people over the age of 70 have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis.
Wear-and-Tear Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. Cartilage is a hard but slippery tissue that serves as a cushion between the bones of joints, allowing the bones to glide over one another. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber during physical movements. .
When cartilage is damaged, there is rubbing of bones against each other during movement. The joint condition deteriorates. Changes in structures around the joint (muscles and tendons), fluid accumulation, and bony overgrowth (e.g., osteophytes or bone spurs) can develop, causing severe pain, loss of mobility, and even disability.
Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
Degenerative changes related to advancing age, overweight or obesity and injury to the joint –these are 3 most common causes of Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis Management:
Therapies that help you to manage osteoarthritis include exercising, weight management, rest, pain relief, alternative therapies and surgery.
An arthroplasty is a joint replacement procedure. If the knee pain is severe and significantly limits your movement, an artificial joint replaces the diseased bones and tissues.
Coping Tips for Osteoarthritis Patients
Severe pain and limitation of body movements influence day-to-day activities, making it difficult to cope with the condition. Here are some useful tips that improve your quality of life and enable you to cope with this condition.
Recognize early signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of the disease.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, follow the treatment plan as advised by your doctor.
Re-evaluate your treatment plan periodically with your doctor. Do consider various treatment options like use of drugs, injections, non-drug treatments, alternative treatments, and joint surgery.
Regular exercise and physical activity are extremely important. This strengthens your muscles, keeps the joints flexible and improves your ability to cope with pain and limitations. It also helps in preventing overweight or obesity.
Eat a well balanced diet, supplemented by a daily dose of multivitamin and anti oxidants. Avoid the kind of diet that can lead to overweight or obesity.
You must maintain a healthy balance between rest and activity. Although exercise and routine activities are important to maintain flexibility and weight, it's equally important to get enough rest.
Protect your joints from injury and avoid excess straining on your joints. Use supportive devices or adaptive equipment when needed.
Spend some time in recreational activities that make you feel relaxed and relieve your pain. It can be listening to music, reading, playing with children or watching a movie. Don’t be obsessed with osteoarthritis pain.
Take a break from routine. A change of surroundings or an outing will spark a good mood and relieve stress associated with the condition.
Accept the reality gracefully. You can’t do everything that you were able to do before developing osteoarthritis. Try to do everything independently in your day-to-day life as far as possible.
Help family and friends understand your difficulties and limitations so that they can be of help when needed.
Try to modify your work pattern to one that you can comfortably cope with. Some adjustments in work schedule or a light-duty will suit you.
Join online or other support groups, share your problems and learn how other people with similar condition cope with it. This will significantly boost your self confidence.
Keep yourself informed with the latest news in the field of osteoarthritis Understand your condition. If you are well-informed and embracing life through positive actions, you are coping well.
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