Osteoarthritis (OA, also known as
degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease), is a group
of diseases and mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of
joints. Clinical manifestations may include joint pain, tenderness,
stiffness, creaking, locking of joints and sometimes local inflammation.
including running in the absence of injury, has not been found
to increase one's risk of developing osteoarthritis. Some investigators
believe that mechanical stress on joints underlies all osteoarthritis.
Primary osteoarthritis in the left knee of an elderly female
is a chronic degenerative disorder related to but not caused
by aging, as there are people well into their nineties who have
no clinical or functional signs of the disease.
As a person ages, the water content of the cartilage decreases
causing the cartilage to be less elastic, the collagen fibers
of the cartilage can become susceptible to degradation and thus
cause the degeneration.
number of studies have shown that there is a greater prevalence
of the disease between siblings and especially identical twins,
indicating a hereditary basis. Up to 60% of cases are thought
to result from genetic factors.
Both primary generalized arthritis and erosive arthritis are
sub sets of primary arthritis, erosive are less common.
Secondary arthritis is caused by other factors but the resulting
pathology is the same as for primary arthritis.
Congenital disorders of joints.
to joints, as a result of an accident.
Septic arthritis ( a infection of a joint ).
Obesity causes osteoarthritis by increasing the mechanical stress
on the cartilage. In fact, next to aging, obesity is the most
powerful risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knees.
The early development of osteoarthritis of the knees among weight
lifters is believed to be in part due to their high body weight.
Repeated trauma to joint tissues (ligaments, bones and cartilage)
is believed to lead to early osteoarthritis of the knees in
soccer players. Interestingly, recent studies have not found
an increased risk of osteoarthritis in long-distance runners.
Crystal deposits in the cartilage can cause cartilage degeneration
and osteoarthritis. Uric crystals cause arthritis in gout, while
calcium pyrophosphate crystals cause arthritis in pseudo gout.
Some people are born with abnormally formed joints (congenital
abnormalities) that are vulnerable to mechanical wear, causing
early degeneration and loss of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis
of the hip joints is commonly related to structural abnormalities
of these joints that had been present since birth.
Hormone disturbances, such as diabetes and growth hormone disorders,
are also associated with early cartilage wear and secondary
The main symptom is acute pain, causing loss of ability and
is generally described as a sharp ache, or a burning sensation
in the associate muscles and tendons. It can cause a crackling
noise when the affected joint is moved or touched and patients
may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons.
Occasionally, the joints may also be filled with fluid. Humid
and cold weather increases the pain in many patients.
It commonly affects the hands, feet, spine and the large weight
bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, although in theory
any joint in the body can be affected.
As arthritis progresses, the affected joints appear larger,
stiff and painful and usually feel worse, the more they are
used throughout the day, thus distinguishing it from rheumatoid
In smaller joints, such as at the fingers, hard bony enlargements
may form and though they are not necessarily painful, they do
limit the movement of the fingers significantly.
Arthritis at the toes leads to the formation of bunions, rendering
them red or swollen. Some people notice these physical changes
before they experience any pain.
Arthritis is the most common cause of joint effusion, sometimes
called water on the knee in lay terms, an accumulation of excess
fluid in or around the knee joint.
In Arthritis shoulder pain, wrist pain, limited range of motion,
morning stiffness, joint stiffness and tenderness is also present.
The management of osteoarthritis consists of exercise, manual
therapy, lifestyle modification, medication and other interventions
to alleviate pain.
Lifestyle modification, No matter the severity or location of
arthritis, conservative measures such as weight control, appropriate
rest, exercise and the use of mechanical support devices can
In arthritis of the knees, knee braces can be helpful. A cane,
or a walker can reduce pressure on involved leg joints which
can be helpful for walking and support.
Regular exercise such as walking or swimming, or other low impact
activities are encouraged. Applying local heat before and cold
packs after exercise, can help relieve pain, as can relaxation
Physical measures, Proper advice and guidance by health care
providers such as chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational
therapists and medical doctors is important in management, enabling
people with this condition to improve their quality of life.
Functional, gait and balance training has been recommended,
balance and strength in individuals with lower extremity arthritis.
Moderate exercise leads to improved functioning and decreased
pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Adequate joint motion and elasticity of tissues are necessary
for cartilage nutrition and health, protection of joint structures
from damaging impact loads, function and comfort in daily activities.
Exercise to regain or maintain motion and flexibility by low-intensity,
controlled movements that do not cause increased pain.
Muscle weakness around osteoarthritis joint is a common finding.
Progressive resistive/strengthening exercises load muscles in
a graduated manner to allow for strengthening while limiting
Patient education has been shown to be helpful in the self-management
of patients with arthritis in decreasing pain, improving function,
reducing stiffness, fatigue and reducing medical usage. Analysis
has shown patient education can provide on average 20% more
pain relief when compared to NSAIDs alone in patients with hip
or rheumatoid arthritis.
Medication like Paracetamol is commonly used to treat the pain.
NSAIDs appear to be more potent, but pose greater risk of side-effects.
In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAID) reduce both the pain and inflammation
are several NSAIDs available for topical use with little, if
any systemic side-effects and at least some therapeutic effect.