Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that most commonly appears in the hands, fingers, knees, hips, neck, and lower back.
Each of your joints involves bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat, and soft tissues working together to bend and support your weight. Osteoarthritis can cause the breakdown of cartilage and ligaments, resulting in altered bone structure. Typically, these effects develop gradually. Over time, they can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
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Severe pain and swelling
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Stiffness and tightening
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Reduced range of motion
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Increased inflammation
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Tenderness in the surrounding area
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Cracking, grating, clicking, or popping sounds when moving
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Osteophytes, bone spurs, or other bony growths
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Weakened muscles in the surrounding area
Unfortunately, there is no cure available for osteoarthritis. Still, you can manage your symptoms to improve your quality of life.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
For many years, scientists believed that osteoarthritis was just the end result of accumulated wear and tear. In some ways, these theories made sense. Severe or repetitive stress on your joints will naturally lead to pain, swelling, and a loss of mobility.
The problem was that their theory did not explain why younger people could also develop this condition. After decades of research, scientists now conclude that osteoarthritis is the result of several contributing factors.
These are the most common risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Age
Age is arguably the most significant factor for developing osteoarthritis. In fact, 80% of adults over the age of 55 have evidence of osteoarthritis. Health experts theorize that it’s a combination of weakened muscles, weight gain, and a less efficient healing ability.
Gender
Women tend to have much smaller and thinner bones than men. As a result, women are more likely to experience broken bones or develop a bone disease.
Additionally, a hormone called estrogen plays a crucial role in protecting bones. After menopause, women experience a sharp drop in estrogen production. This sudden and severe reduction can increase the risk of both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Weight
One popular theory is that the rise of arthritis can be tied to the increased obesity rate in America. Individuals who are obese are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers, and even erectile dysfunction.
Carrying around extra weight will put stress on your joints — specifically, weight-bearing joints in your ankles, knees, hips, and back. It’s estimated that every additional pound that you carry will create an additional four pounds of pressure on your joints. That means that being 10 pounds overweight is basically like carrying five gallons of water with you everywhere you go.
Additionally, fat cells have a negative effect on your overall metabolism, resulting in inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation can attack the cartilage, tissues, and ligaments of your joints. This can cause swelling and pain in your joints, and increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Injury
Fracturing a bone or tearing a ligament in your joint can quickly result in osteoarthritis. Even with surgery, severe joint injuries can be virtually impossible to fully repair.
The effects of osteoarthritis can set in much faster when the injury isn’t obvious. When microfractures or minor tears go untreated, it can cause larger problems down the road.
Weak muscles
Your joints depend on your muscles to provide support and reduce pressure. If you have weak muscles, then that burden will stay on your joints. Weak muscles can also cause poor posture and alignment, which will only increase the strain on your joints.
How Can You Treat Osteoarthritis?
While some contributors to osteoarthritis are outside your control, others are not.
Here are some of the most common methods for supporting joint health and treating this common issue:
Lose some weight
There are many health benefits that come with losing weight. Keep in mind that each additional pound that you carry is nearly four additional pounds of force.
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce joint pressure. This can reduce pain and prevent further damage.
Exercise
Weakened muscles are a big risk factor for osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles around your joints can help reduce the pressure placed on them.
It might be difficult to create a strength training routine when you are experiencing pain and stiffness. Start slow and use a brace as needed to protect your joints. The workouts will become easier as you get stronger.
Medication
There are many medications and over-the-counter pain relievers that can help reduce joint pain. You’ll have your pick of pills, sprays, gels, creams, patches, and injectables.
Common medicinal treatments include:
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Analgesics such as acetaminophen
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
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Counterirritants such as menthol and lidocaine
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Corticosteroids such as cortisone and triamcinolone acetonide
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Antidepressants such as duloxetine hydrochloride
Surgery
Extreme cases of osteoarthritis may require surgery. Hip and knee replacement have become much more effective, thanks to advancements in technology. The affected joint will be replaced with a combination of metal and plastic parts. In some cases, the damaged joint may be fused and repaired.
Take steps to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis now!
Osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans. Age, gender, weight, and lifestyle all play significant roles in determining the severity of osteoarthritis.
Getting more exercise and adopting a healthier diet are two of many ways to prevent and reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
