What Is Osteoarthritis?

By Author: Dr. Qaisar Usmani
Total Articles: 1
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Osteoarthritis, more commonly known as "OA" is a painful and debilitating joint condition that affects millions of people in the US alone. It's a condition that is common among the elderly but can also be found in middle-aged individuals who have spent too many years engaging in physically strenuous activities. If you've ever had any discomfort or pain in your joints, it's important to know what OA is and what can be done to prevent and manage it.

OA occurs when the cartilage between the bones breaks down and causes severe chronic pain, decreased mobility, and other complications related to physical activity and exercise. The disease typically attacks older individuals who have spent many years engaging in physically strenuous activities; however, OA can also affect younger adults who have put too much stress on their joints from sports injuries, accidents, or overexertion.

The most common joints affected by OA are the knees (especially the patellofemoral area), hands, fingers, hips, and neck. In these areas of the body, OA causes significant pain and swelling that may lead to decreased functionality and mobility ...
... for its victims.

Commonly affected joint by Osteoarthritis
Neck sHips
Back pain
The finger joints
Thumb's rule
Knees
The toe's base
Risk Factors
Gender: Women are predisposed to osteoarthritis more than men, particularly after menopause.
Joint injuries: Being overweight and putting undue strain on joints accelerates the deterioration of cartilage.
Genes: If this runs in your family, the likelihood of developing it increases.
Age: The condition is common in the elderly due to progressive changes that occur in the joints in old age.
Occupation: Repetitive strain from sports and other activities.
Other: A history of inflammatory illness or the use of certain medications.
Signs and Symptoms
Asymptomatic osteoarthritis is possible. The symptoms appear gradually and worsen over time if you do not make contact with the Rheumatology Clinic
.
During passive joint movement, there is a cracking sound in the joint.
Severe joint pain and swelling
Tenderness in the joints is most common when light pressure is applied to the joint
Joint flexibility decline
Stages of Osteoarthritis
Early Osteoarthritis
Specific physical activities cause joint pain
Pain caused by a specific movement
Mid-Osteoarthritis
Pain occurs sporadically alongside symptoms
Pain became more frequent over time
This may interfere with daily functioning
Late Osteoarthritis
Drab ache
The pain becomes chronic
How does a doctor diagnose Osteoarthritis?
To determine signs, the doctor performs a physical examination and examines affected areas.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will most likely examine your blood tests and joint fluid parameters.
To get a clear picture of the joints, the doctor may order imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs.
Treatment
Osteoarthritis is a permanent medical condition. Treatment can assist you in effectively managing your pain and other symptoms.
Medication
To alleviate discomfort and pain, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Therapies
Physiotherapy: Your doctor may refer you for physical therapy, which helps you work out to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint to relieve pain and increase flexibility.
Occupational Therapy: A therapist can assist you in learning techniques to make your daily tasks easier.
Procedures/Injections
Cortisone injections: To alleviate joint pain.
Viscosupplementation injection: To lubricate your joint and pain.
Surgeries
Realignment of bones: May advise you on a knee osteotomy. Because one side of your knee is more damaged than the other, your doctor may recommend an osteotomy.
Joint replacement: This is a surgical procedure in which your damaged part of the knee is replaced with an artificial joint by a doctor.
Lifestyle Changes Play an Important Role
Weight loss
Exercising
Using over-the-counter creams
Cold pack
Using heat
When to See a Rheumatologist?
Diagnosis of rheumatological diseases can be difficult. Skeletal and muscle pain is extremely common and can occur several times throughout your life. However, according to rheumatologists, such pain can be caused by an underlying rheumatological disease.
We've compiled a list of conditions that you should not ignore and should see a rheumatologist right away.
You are Diagnosed with Rheumatological Disease
There are over 120 different types of arthritis. If you have been diagnosed with one of these rheumatological diseases, do not put off seeing rheumatology consultants. Rheumatology consultants are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:
Swelling (inflammation) in multiple joints due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Porous bones; osteoarthritis
Vasculitis is defined as swelling (inflammation) of the blood vessels.
Sjogren's syndrome is an immune system disorder that causes dry eyes and mouth.
Scleroderma is characterized by skin hardening or tightening.
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a blood disease in which the immune system incorrectly attacks a fat (phospholipid) in the body, causing blood clots.
Myositis is characterized by muscle swelling and pain.
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease affecting the lungs and lymph nodes.
Polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR) is characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips.
Other uncommon diseases.

Persistent Joint and Muscle Pain
We all get minor muscle and joint aches now and then, but if the pain persists, it is time to see a doctor. Rheumatological pain is unpleasant and does not respond to simple pain relievers, or it may respond but recurs if the medication is discontinued.
Rashes, fever, fatigue, morning stiffness, and chest pain, as well as joint pain, necessitate a trip to the rheumatologist.
Swelling around Joints
Any symptom suggestive of rheumatological diseases, such as swelling and pain around the joints that are not caused by an injury, should be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Viscosupplementation injections and plasma rich platelet injections can also be effective treatments for joint pain and stiffness caused by rheumatological diseases. Rheumatoid diseases cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in multiple joints.
If you have joint stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes or worsens in the morning after a long period of inactivity, you should consult a rheumatologist. When rheumatological diseases are diagnosed and treated early, they respond best to medication and other interventions like injections. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your rheumatologist to discuss your treatment options, which may include viscosupplementation injections or plasma rich platelet injections.
Family History of Rheumatological or Autoimmune Diseases
A rheumatologist is also recommended if there is a family history of rheumatological or immune disorders. This is because rheumatological diseases are hereditary and frequently run in families. Aside from that, inform your doctor if anyone in your family has had a rheumatological disease.
Abnormal Blood Tests Results
A few test results may necessitate a visit to a rheumatologist. Abnormal test results, such as
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) testing detects and quantifies the presence of ANA in a patient's blood.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); a test that indirectly measures the degree of inflammation in your body is indicative of rheumatological disease.
Rheumatoid factor (RF); is a test that measures the amount of rheumatoid factor (a protein produced by the immune system) in the body. As a result, if such blood tests yield a positive result, your primary care physician will most likely refer you to a rheumatologist.

Difficulty in Diagnosing a Disease
If you have joint swelling or pain and can't figure out what's causing it, seeing a rheumatologist can help. When primary care physicians are unable to make an accurate diagnosis, they frequently refer patients to rheumatologists. Rheumatologists are medical investigators who work with a wide range of conditions, including rare diseases and complex cases such as Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis. Their knowledge and experience in dealing with all systems aid them in diagnosing difficult medical conditions.