Osteoarthritis

It is a degenerative disease of joints. A form of arthritis which occurs due to breakdown of cartilage of joints and bones. Usually seen in adults or among old age .

Osteoarthritis affects joints of hands , spinal cord,feet, knee .

What are the symptoms related?

There are various symptoms-

•  Joint pain
• Stiffness around joints
• Swelling around joints of fingers and thumb,knee and hip

Brief about arthritis –

Arthritis is a disorder which affects joints. People suffer joint pain and inflammation ( swelling), stiffness around joints. They may have difficulties while walking and doing daily work.

Main cause of osteoarthritis-

Our body has healthy cartilage present inside the joints. Due to loss of healthy cartilage, joints are  affected causing mechanical stress .

More  body weight , mechanical injury. loss of physical strength of muscles which supports the joint etc. . All these factors may lead to un-coordinate movements.

Diagnosis – It can be examined and diagnosed with the help of  x- rays.

How to manage and treat osteoarthritis?

It can’t be cured but changes in lifestyle habits can help to prevent pain and swelling.

• One should perform exercises regularly.
• Perform yoga.
• Eat a well healthy balanced diet.
• Maintain weight .
• People who are overweight should lose weight as it will give relief to hip and arthritis.
• Maintain calcium levels in the body.
• For pain relief one should use heat patches.
• For knee pain one can use knee caps.
•  Massage therapies have also shown effectiveness around stiff and swollen  joints.

Medications to be used-  Doctors usually prescribe Tramadol for pain relief. Acetaminophen and many other anti-inflammatory formulated drugs.