Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Also known as degenerative joint disease, OA causes a progressive breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints, resulting in the characteristic pain and stiffness that is a hallmark of the condition. It is a common condition, affecting nearly 27 million Americans. Joints typically affected by OA can include the hips, neck, back, hands and knees. Symptoms usually have a gradual onset after age 40, with a higher proportion of women affected after the age of 50. There are many proposed risk factors for OA, including:
- Injury to the joint
- Obesity
- Aging
- Overuse of the joint
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Injury to the nerves
Treatment may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and reduce pain, hot or cold therapy, exercise, rest, and physical therapy. Losing weight can reduce the severity of the symptoms. Corticosteroids injected into the joint may improve pain in some cases. Surgery (joint replacement) can be offered in severe cases where the joint is severely damaged and loss of function has occurred.
Affecting an estimated 1.3 million Americans, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is less common than OA. RA is a systemic disease that may affect other areas of the body, such as the eyes. The condition is chronic and results in inflammation of the synovium, or the lining of the joints. It causes long-term damage and pain, as well as loss of function. Because it is a systemic condition, symptoms can include:
-Weakness
-Fatigue
-Pain
-Nodules (Lumps) under the skin
-Loss of appetite, weight loss
-Muscle pain
-Flu-like symptoms
-Susceptibility to infection
RA affects people at a younger age than OA; 70% of sufferers are women, and onset is often between 30 and 50 years of age. When men are affected, they tend to have more severe manifestations of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to slowing progression of the disease and maintaining function of the affected joints. Children can also get RA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).
If you have symptoms of arthritis, you should consult a physician, who can prescribe treatment tailored to the severity of your disease, your lifestyle and other health conditions you may have.
Related Links:
Video: Diagnosing Arthritis from Health Guru
Arthritis Foundation web site
Arthritis Health Center from Web MD
