Osteoarthritis – One of Aging’s Greatest Challenges

Osteoarthritis means joint inflammation, and that inflammation is most likely to occur as we pass age 55 and grow older.

It is caused by the progressive breakdown of the cartilages that lubricate the interfaces between the bones in our joints, but may sometimes also be caused by bony lumps called osteophytes or spurs, that develop around our joints in response to pressure, stress or rubbing.

Indicators for Osteoarthritis

Although we are unsure what causes Osteoarthritis to develop, it does correlate quite strongly with a number of medical, hereditary and lifestyle factors. Haemophilia could cause bleeding disorders, blocked blood-supply could cause parts of bones to die, and other forms of arthritis could lead on to Osteoarthritis itself.

We also know that the disease runs in families, and that trauma caused by being overweight, joint injuries and fractures, and long-term abuse at work or play can lead on to it.

There are thus several indicators that warn those potentially prone to Osteoarthritis, to take extra care with their joints, and to try to help prevent their cartilage deteriorating.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Steadily developing pain and stiffness are the most common signs of the onset of Osteoarthritis, especially if this worsens after exercise or exerting a troublesome joint.

Characteristic morning stiffness often passes after thirty minutes of mild activity, almost as if the joints were being warmed up. Overtime, they become stiffer and harder to move though, until eventually movement is accompanied by a rubbing, grating or crackling sound.

As the disease develops further the pain may get worse with more activity, causing sufferers to become less mobile as they rest up more. Later the pain may persist with, or without any movement at all, and may even cause sleepless nights.

Tests for Osteoarthritis

Some people afflicted by the disease may not experience any early pain at all, even though x-rays may reveal that they have contracted Osteoarthritis.

This is why it is imperative that an older person seek medical advice if they experience morning stiffness, or their joints become noisy. Because blood tests are unhelpful with any Osteoarthritis diagnosis, the doctor can only carry out a physical examination to confirm the x-rays.

This will include testing for diminished range of joint movement, feeling for joint swellings, testing for tenderness and attempting to gently induce pain.

Osteoarthritis Treatment

There is no cure for Osteoarthritis beyond the complete replacement of joints, and this is deferred until the last minute because of the risks attendant to all surgery.

First steps in treatment will include prescription of over-the-counter analgesic pain-killers - in the absence of pain, normal joint articulation may also help slow down the wear on cartilage.

If pain-killers are ineffective, then the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may be indicated. If these or the injection of corticosteroids directly into joints do not help either, then joint replacement may be the only way to maintain patient mobility.

Lifestyle Changes Help Relieve Osteoarthritis Too

Healthy gentle movement is especially useful to maintain joints in good condition, and is indicated by the first signs of Osteoarthritis.

Water exercises including mild swimming in warm water are particularly effective, as are healthy diets, losing weight, getting sufficient rest, and generally being considerate to joints.

Thought should also be given to avoiding awkward activities at home and work - making physical or massage therapy a habit can be surprisingly helpful too.

Osteoarthritis Prognosis

While there is no cure for Osteoarthritis on the horizon yet, there is every reason to believe that the disease need not take all the value out of life.

Every person is different in terms of how they react to it though, and that includes pain-sensitivity and a determination to keep going on. Some individuals may be able to maintain an active lifestyle despite discomfort that may be considerable, while others may be quickly brow-beaten down.

Criticism was never an effective treatment for one with Osteoarthritis, whereas understanding and encouragement often are.