Osteoarthritis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 by Janine Acero

Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to joint inflammation due to cartilage degeneration. Cartilage is the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage absorbs the shock of movement. When you lose cartilage, your bones rub together. Over time, this rubbing can permanently damage the joint.

OA is the most common form of arthritis. It is sometimes called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It commonly occurs in the hands, hips, and knees. It usually develops slowly and gets worse over time. OA causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, and can lead to disability.

OA commonly affects women more than men, after the age of 50 years, but it can also can affect younger people after a traumatic injury.

Known symptoms, risk factors for osteoarthritis

The following are the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which mainly affects the joints:

A grating or crackling sound or sensation
Limited range of movement
Pain or aching
Stiffness
Swelling

The individual may also notice that:

The pain and stiffness worsen after not moving the joint for a while
The joints feel warm and tender
There is a loss of muscle bulk

Developing OA is highly likely with the following risk factors:

Joint injury or overuse — e.g., constant knee-bending
Age — Individuals at 50 years of age are more prone to OA
Gender — OA more commonly occurs in women
Obesity — Extra weight puts more pressure on the joints
Genetics — OA tends to run in families
Race — Some Asian populations have lower risk for OA

Body systems harmed by osteoarthritis

OA can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling, as well as reduced joint function and disability. It can restrict a person’s ability to do daily tasks. In some cases, affected individuals are not able to work completely. Severe cases may require joint replacement surgery, particularly for knee or hip OA.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent osteoarthritis

Affected individuals will be encouraged to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the pressure on the joints.

Studies have suggested that some types of OA respond positively to a diet high in flavonoids and antioxidants, which are essential anti-inflammatory nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.

Eating foods high in the following may help provide relief from OA symptoms by reducing inflammation and swelling:

Vitamin C — Guavas, bell peppers, kiwifruit, strawberries, oranges, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, snow peas, and kale
Vitamin D — Fatty fish (tuna, mackerel, and salmon), cheese, beef liver, egg yolks
Vitamin E — Spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados, shellfish (shrimp, crayfish, lobster and oysters), rainbow trout, olive oil, broccoli, gourds (pumpkin and squash), and kiwifruit
Beta-carotene — Orange- and yellow-colored produce, like carrots, squash, apricots and cantaloupes
Omega-3 fatty acids — Soybeans, walnuts, salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds

Treatments, management plans for osteoarthritis

There is no cure for OA; treatment only relieves symptoms and maintain joint movement. Treatment involves a combination of therapies, which may include:

General exercise/physical activity
Medications, like prescription drugs and over-the-counter painkillers (take note of the associated adverse side effects)
Physical therapy with muscle-strengthening exercises
Weight loss
Practicing proper posture
Supportive devices such as crutches or canes
Surgery (if other treatment options have not been effective)

In addition to medical treatment, people with OA can manage their condition with self-management strategies proven to reduce pain and disability, so they can pursue the activities important to them.

Where to learn

Summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to joint inflammation due to cartilage degeneration. It is the most common type of arthritis.

OA is the most common form of arthritis, which commonly occurs in the hands, hips, and knees. OA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, and can lead to disability.

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Tagged Under: Tags: Osteoarthritis