Vote for Your Health

Article By Jack Russel

Three Things You Should Know About Osteoarthritis -This is a predator that knows no bounds. Young, old, black, white, male and female – this is the same predator-opportunities that can make its victims immobile.

1. Who is this culprit?

Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis walked by many names – degenerative joint disease, wear-and-tear-arthritis among them – but the fact remains. Osteoarthritis is the most common types of arthritis and affects approximately 20 million Americans estimated. Unlike other forms of arthritis, a genetic, osteoarthritis can be attributed to several causes – weight, age and injuries among them. Like other forms of arthritis, there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, thus recognizing the signs and symptoms of early disease can be very helpful in managing pain.

First, a little background. Like other name implies, is the inflammation of osteoarthritis caused by abnormal wearing of the cartilage cushion in the joints. In a joint affected by osteoarthritis, the wear will lead to cartilage degeneration and the body is unable to supplement their own supply of the most valuable resource. Inflammation causes mild to severe pain and, in some cases, degeneration was so severe that doctors will recommend joint replacement.

So what should you know about osteoarthritis? Here are three things to get you started.

2. Listen to your body.

Pain, especially in weight-bearing joints of the lower body, is a good indicator of osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint, especially after a traumatic injury or infection, most cases occur in osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints of the knees, hips, spine and ankle. Often, obesity or even a little overweight can cause burning pain of osteoarthritis. Losing a few pounds can help reduce the pain, because it can rest and judicious use of the affected joints. For example, recurrent pain in the knee is a good indicator that you may want to stop your strict regimen of running, if only for a few weeks.

3. Early diagnosis is essential for successful long-term pain management.

Although not all cases of osteoarthritis are seen on x-ray, your doctor – especially if it is a internist or rheumatologist – can diagnose osteoarthritis with little problem. Medical history, physical examination and blood tests, along with MRI and x-ray offer a reliable path to an accurate diagnosis.