Asslam.o.Alaikum! I hope you all guys are good and enjoying healthy life. This is my new article on my physiotherapy topics. Today I am going to discuss about a very crucial topic that is osteoarthritis. I'm sure that it will be very helpful for you. So, stay tuned with me and learn and explore more about it.
Osteoarthritis
The Osteoarthritis is an a chronic and progressive degenerative joint disorder which is the specified by the breakdown of the cartilage, that's leads to the pain. The most common form of the arthritis is osteoarthritis is that affecting in millions of worldwide. So, it is really crucial disorder of bones and joints.
Pathophysiology
In Osteoarthritis there is gradual wear and tear of articular cartilage, which cushions the joints. When cartilage destructions start then bones begin to rub to each other, that causing the mild to severe pain and joint stiffness.
Osteophytes may form to causing the joint deformities. If Synovial inflammation increased then also causing swelling of joints. Movement restricted when joint space narrowed or lost.
Causes and Risk factors
Here there are few Causes behind this:
- Aging
- Joint Injury
- Obesity
- Genetic Factors
- Joint Malalignment
- Inflammation
Here are some Risk Factors of osteoarthritis:
- Age over 50 years
- Sex (mostly wemon after menopause)
- Occupation (heavy weight lifting)
- Previous Joint Surgery
Symptoms
OA symptoms develops in gradual manner and worsen over time to time :
- Joint Pain
- Joint Stiffness
- Swelling
- Crepitus
- Range of Motion decreased
- Joint Deformities
Most Prone Joints of osteoarthritis are following that are mostly affected:
- Knees
- Hips
- Hands (Fingers and thumb)
- Spine (Lower back and neck)
Daignosis
a.) Evaluation
Physicians diagnoses osteoarthritis based on sign and symptoms, physical examination, and it's risk factors.
b.) Imaging Tests
- X-ray
- MRI
c.) Laboratory Tests
- Acupuncture
- Blood tests
Treatment
A. Non-Pharmacological Treatments
- Body Weight management to reduce stress on joints.
- Therapeutic Exercises which insludes low-impact exercises and strength training.
- Physical Therapy that Improves the mobility of joints and reduces the pain.
- Assistive Devices that includes braces, shoes insert and canes that help to relieves pressure.
B.) Medications
- Pain Relievers
- Topical Agents
- Corticosteroid Injections
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections
C.) Surgical Options
- Arthroscopy
- Osteotomy
- Joint Replacement
- Preventing Osteoarthritis
Conclusion
OA is a progressive degenerative disease that significantly impact the quality of our life. While there is no cure of early diagnosis but combination of change in lifestyle , proper medication, and physical therapy can be helpful to manage the sign and symptoms to slow the progression.