Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive disease of the joints that affects cartilage and bone. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. Osteoarthritis can be caused by wear and tear on the joints over time or because of an injury or infection.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Pain

Even slight movement cause pain in the affected areas.

Tenderness

The joints turn tender to the touch.

Stiffness

Inactivity in joints lead to some stiffness

Immobility

Loss of flexibility and range of motion in joints.

popping

Grating sensation like popping or crackling in the affected joints.

bone spurs

The area around the joints may turn lumpy with extra bone growth, known as bone spurs.

Common treatment options

It is a chronic disease that often requires long-term treatment to manage symptoms.

Can be kept under control using a mix of different treatments.

Pain management includes medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen and topical creams like lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream.

Can be kept under control using a mix of different treatments.

Frequently asked questions

Is osteoarthritis permanent?

Unfortunately, yes. It’s a degenerative disease. Once the damage to the bone is done, there is no reversing it. It’s possible to manage the pain so that it doesn’t interfere with daily activities as much.

How do I know if I have osteoarthritis?

There is no known test to detect osteoarthritis. However, you have symptoms that match those of osteoarthritis, you should speak to your family doctor or a specialist.

How long does it take for osteoarthritis to develop?

Osteoarthritis can develop gradually over time or be brought on by an acute injury to one or more joints. But it’s more common in people over 55, with one in every adult over the age of 55 being affected.