USF-COM
Department of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What
is it?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease causing deterioration
of the joint cartilage and other joint tissues with the formation of new
bone (bone spurs) at the margins of the joints.
Who gets it?
There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis and osteoarthritis
is the most common form. The risk for OA increases as we get older and
is present in almost everyone by age 70. Before the age of 55 it occurs
equally in both men and women; however, after 55 the incidence is higher
in women. Approximately 4 out of 100, or approximately 60 million, people
are affected.
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What are
the symptoms?
-
gradual and subtle onset of deep aching joint pain that is
worse after exercise or weight bearing and is often relieved by rest
-
limited movement of a joint
-
grating of the joint with movement
-
joint pain (wrist, knee, foot, ankle, elbow or low back pain)
-
joint inflammation (swelling, warmth and redness of the skin
over the joint)
-
Note: There may be no symptoms at all.
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How did
I get it?
The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but it is associated
with the aging process, obesity, overuse, repetitive trauma. For example,
a bus driver may have OA in the shoulders and a coal miner may have it
in the spine. The joints of the hands and fingers, hips and knees are commonly
affected. The degeneration of the joint may occur as a result of injury
or trauma to the joint, rheumatoid arthritis, occupational overuse, obesity,
or metabolic diseases.
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How is
it diagnosed?
A physical examination may indicate joint changes or fluid
collection around the joint. The joint may be tender to the touch and when
the joint is rotated through its normal movements, there may be pain or
difficulty moving it in certain directions. X-rays of the joints may show
degenerative changes.
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What
are the treatments?
The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, maintain or improve
joint mobility, increase the strength of the joints, and minimize the disabling
affects of the disease.
MEDICATIONS:
Medications used to treat osteoarthritis include a variety
of nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). A two week trial period
is necessary to evaluate the benefit of a particular medication. Steroids,
which are injected directly into the joint, may also be used.
SURGERY:
Surgical treatment to replace or repair damaged joints
is indicated in severe, debilitating disease. Surgery options may include:
-
arthroplasty (total or partial replacement of the deteriorated
joint with an artificial joint
-
arthrodesis (surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine)
-
osteoplasty (scraping deteriorated bone from the joint)
-
osteotomy (change in the alignment of a bone to relieve stress
on the bone or joint)
LIFESTYLE CHANGES:
Exercises are important to maintain joint and overall
mobility. Physical therapists and occupational therapists can prescribe
an appropriate home exercise treatment. Exercises in water are often effective
for increasing mobility. Heat and cold treatments, protection of the joints,
the use of self-help devices and rest are all recommended. Good nutrition
and careful weight control are important. Weight loss for overweight individuals
will decrease the mechanical strain placed on the joints of the lower extremities.
SUPPORT GROUPS:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining
a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
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What
are the complications?
Disability with osteoarthritis is less common than with rheumatoid
arthritis, but movement may become very limited. Treatment generally improves
function, but joint deformity and disability are common complications of
osteoarthritis.