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Osteoarthritis |
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What is Osteoathritis
Osteoarthritis is not a single disease but rather
the end result of a variety of disorders leading to the structural
or functional failure of 1 or more of your joints. Osteoarthritis
involves the entire joint including the nearby muscles, underlying
bone, ligaments, joint lining (synovium), and the joint cover
(capsule).
Osteoarthritis also involves an advancing loss of cartilage.
The cartilage tries to repair itself, the bone remodels, the
underlying (subchondral) bone hardens, and bone cyst form. This
process has several phases.
- The stationary phase of disease progression
in osteoarthritis involves the formation of osteophytes or joint
space narrowing.
- Osteoarthritis progresses further with
obliteration of the joint space.
- The appearance of subchondral cysts (cysts in
the bone underneath the cartilage) indicates the erosive phase
of disease progression in osteoarthritis.
- The last phase in the disease progression
involves bone repair and remodeling.
Definitions
- Joint cartilage is a layer of tissue
present at the joint surfaces that sustains joint loading and
allows motion. It is gel-like, porous, and elastic. Normal
cartilage provides a durable, low-friction, load-bearing surface
for joints.
- Articular surface is the area of the joint
where the ends of the bones meet, or articulate, and function
like a ball bearing.
- Bone remodeling is a process in which damaged
bone attempts to repair itself. The damage may occur from either
an acute injury or as the result of chronic irritation such as
that found in osteoarthritis.
- Collagen is the main supportive protein found
in bone tendon, cartilage, skin, and connective tissue.
- Osteophytes are bony outgrowths or lumps,
especially at the joint margins. They are thought to develop in
order to offload the pressure on the joint by increasing the
surface area on which your weight is distributed.
- Synovium is a membrane found within the
joints that secretes a fluid that lubricates tissues where
friction would otherwise occur.
- Subchondral bone is the part of bone under
the cartilage.
Osteoarthritis
Treatment
Lifestyle changes may delay or limit osteoarthritis symptoms.
- Weight loss: One study suggested that, for
women, weight loss may reduce the risk for osteoarthritis in the
knee.
- Exercise: Regular exercise may help to
strengthen the muscles and potentially stimulate cartilage
growth. Avoid high-impact sports. The following types of
exercise are recommended: range of motion, strengthening, and
aerobic.
- Diet: Antioxidant vitamins C and E may
provide some protection. Vitamin D and calcium are recommended
for strong bones. The recommended daily dose of calcium is
1000-1200 mg. The current guideline for vitamin D is 400 IU per
day. Avoid more than 1200 IU of vitamin D per day.
- Heat: Hot soaks and warm wax (paraffin)
application may relieve pain.
- Orthoses: These assistive devices are used to
improve function of moveable parts of the body or to support,
align, prevent, or correct deformities. Splints or braces help
with joint alignment and weight redistribution. Other examples
include walkers, crutches or canes, and orthopedic footwear
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