| What is
osteoarthritis? |
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Osteoarthritis, the
most common form of arthritis, is also called
degenerative joint disease or "wear-and-tear" arthritis.
Almost everyone is affected by it to some extent as they
grow older. It most frequently occurs in weight-bearing
joints, mainly knees, hips, and ankles. This form of
arthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the cartilage
that covers the ends of each bone in a joint. Normally,
cartilage acts as a shock absorber, providing a smooth
surface between the bones. But with osteoarthritis, the
smooth surface becomes rough and pitted. In advanced
stages, it may wear away completely. Without their
normal gliding surfaces, the bones grind against one
another, causing inflammation, pain and restricted
movement. Bone spurs may form. |
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| What are the
symptoms? |
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The number one
symptom is pain. The pain is caused by irritation and
pressure on nerve endings as well as muscle tension and
fatigue. The pain can progress from mild soreness and
aching with movement to severe pain, even when resting.
The second symptom is loss of easy movement, such as
bending or rising normally. Morning stiffness is a
problem for many people. This lack of mobility, in turn,
often causes the muscles serving the knee or hip to
weaken, and overall body coordination suffers. |
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| How is it diagnosed? |
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A
simple, weight-bearing x-ray and examination by a
skilled orthopedic doctor will determine if you have
osteoarthritis. Time-consuming and costly diagnostic
procedures are not required. |
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| What is the
treatment? |
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There is no cure
for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new
ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility, and fatigue
that are among its most disabling symptoms. |
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Hyaluronate -
The new treatment lubricates the knees and can reduce
pain for 9-12 months. It's the first major breakthrough
in 20 years for arthritis knee pain. Five injections of
hyaluronidate are given one week apart into the knee. |
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Medicines -
Coated aspirin helps relieve pain and has few side
effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS),
such as diclofenac, piroxicam, ibuprofen etc. are
prescription drugs for pain and inflammations. The
Cox-2s are helpful as well, such as etocoxib without
much side effects. |
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Cortisone Shots
- Cortisone shots are given for inflammation. For
many people, joint arthritis is often made symptom-free
for months or even years after cortisone shots. |
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Diet - There
is no evidence that any specific foods will prevent or
relieve arthritis symptoms. It's important to keep thin,
however, because excess weight aggravates arthritis by
putting added pressure on the knee and hip. |
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Exercise and
Rest - Prolonged rest and days of inactivity will
increase stiffness and make it harder to move around.
Motion is lotion for arthritis! At the same time,
excessive or improper exercise can overwork your
arthritic joint and cause further damage. A balanced
routine of rest and exercise is best.
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| What about surgery? |
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Arthroscopy -
Arthroscopic procedures are not generally helpful for
arthritis. In some cases, a "flap" of torn knee
cartilage can aggravate arthritis and cause additional
pain. The cartilage flap can be removed by arthroscopy
and the knee can be washed out and cleaned of arthritic
debris. |
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Knee or Hip
Replacement - Knee replacement or hip replacement is
a very positive solution to the pain and disability of
advanced osteoarthritis. The rough, worn surfaces of the
joint are relined with smooth-surfaced metal and plastic
components. |
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