The Most Common Joint Disorder: Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common type of joint disorder, affecting around 27 million Americans. Risk of getting osteoarthritis increases with age. Most people over 60 years old have osteoarthritis to some degree, but severity varies. Before age 55, osteoarthritis affects men and women equally, but after age 55 women have greater risk.

The primary damage in osteoarthritis starts from the joint cartilage. Cartilage is a type of elastic substance that covers the ends of bones, functioning as 'shock absorbent' to reduce friction between bones in normal joints. Aging and repetitive mechanical stress are responsible for gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, causing it to lose elasticity and making it more susceptible to damage. Over time the cartilage may further deteriorates, eventually causing pain and swelling in the joints. Damage to the cartilage can also stimulate growth of bone spurs around the joints.

This condition can occur in any joints of the body, but weight bearing joints like the hips, knees, and spine are most commonly affected. Osteoarthritis can also affects the fingers, thumb, and neck joints, especially in people who work with computers.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually develop gradually and become more apparent in middle age. Pain and joint stiffness are the most common symptoms. The pain is usually worse after exercise or overuse. You may also notice a grating, crackling, or rubbing sound when you move the joint. When you wake up in the morning, you may experience the so-called morning stiffness that usually lasts for 30 minutes or less. It is improved by mild activity that warms up the joint. Stiffness may also occur after long periods of inactivity.

most people over 60 years old have osteoarthritis

Factors that increase a person's chances of developing osteoarthritis include being overweight, previous joint injury, heredity, joint overuse, and other joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Controlling your weight helps prevent osteoarthritis on weight bearing joints, and reduces pain if the joints are already affected. Gentle exercises like swimming and walking on flat surfaces are recommended because they are less stressful on your joints. Avoid impact sport or sports that involved twisting movement like football, soccer, or basketball.

What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?

To reduce pain, your physician may recommend pain killers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Topical capsaicin cream may also help to relieve pain. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may help protect your cartilage from damage.