Osteoarthritis, formerly known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis in older people, and usually begins after age 40.  OA occurs when the cartilage, which acts as a cushion or shock absorber between bones, wears away, becoming thinner and rougher.  As the cartilage wears away further, bone spurs may form around the joint, making it look swollen and knobby.  As OA progresses even further and most of the cartilage has worn away, the bones can actually rub against each other.  This can be quite painful, and causes movement of the joint to be greatly reduced.  The joints in the knees, hips, hands, back and feet are most often affected by OA.  Women are more likely than men to suffer from OA in the knees or hands.

Factors that may increase your chances of developing OA

There are several factors that can increase your chances of developing OA.  If one or both of your parents suffer from OA, you are more likely to develop the disease as well.  If you suffer a serious injury, such as a fracture, or an infection in a joint, you increase your likelihood of developing the disease in that joint.  The overuse of specific joints, such as the hands of a person operating a jackhammer or the feet of a ballet dancer, may also increase your chances of developing OA.  Lack of exercise can make joints become stiff and painful, causing almost as much damage as the overuse of a joint.  When joints are not used, the muscles around them become weakened, which increases the chances of injury and eventually developing the disease.

When to see your doctor

If any of the following symptoms last longer than two weeks, it's important to see your doctor.

Pain - People who suffer from OA experience pain that is often deep and aching, and feels like it is either within the joint, or in a nearby area.  Sometimes, the pain will come and go, and it is often affected by the time of day and/or the activity being performed.  It's important to note that the pain and numbness from OA doesn't always occur in the affected joint itself, but can also occur in nearby areas of the body.  You should see your doctor right away if you experience a feeling of numbness, as it can be a sign of nerve damage.  Mild damage can often be treated when it's discovered at an early stage. 

Swelling and Mild Inflammation - Inflammation in a joint causes swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness.  When a person suffers from OA, the lining of the joint becomes irritated, and produces fluid that collects inside the joint, causing swelling.  Bone spurs can also cause the joints to look swollen.

Crackling Sounds - Most of the time, the crackling sound that is heard when joints are moved is a result of normal gases moving inside the joint.  However, in severe cases, it could be the result of bone rubbing against bone.

Diagnosis

To correctly diagnose OA, a doctor will analyze your medical history and symptoms.  S/he will also give you a physical exam, and will feel the affected joints for swelling or bony spurs.  S/he may also take an x-ray to see if there has been any damage to the bones.  Another common procedure is to test the fluid inside an affected joint to rule out any other diseases.  Your doctor may recommend that you see a joint specialist (rheumatologist), since some forms of arthritis develop slowly and over a long period of time.  If your doctor does diagnose arthritis and there appears to be damage to the bones, s/he may suggest you see an orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in bone surgery.

Treatment

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be treated.  To help reduce long-term damage to your body, it's important to begin treatment of OA early.  The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and stiffness, allowing for greater joint movement and slowing the process of the disease.  Your doctor may suggest weight loss, an exercise program, hot or cold therapy, and/or over-the-counter or prescription medicine.

There are also many products available that can make living with OA easier.  Bathroom safety equipment, like raised toilet seats and shower chairs, can help tending to these basic tasks easier and less painful.  Mobility equipment, such as canes, walkers, crutches and wheelchairs, can make getting around much less of a chore.  These simple solutions can make a dramatic improvement in the quality of your daily life.

Please visit our eBay store to view a wide variety of items that can help you in dealing with your arthritis.  Also, feel free to call us at 1-800-689-9544.  One of our therapists will be happy to suggest a solution that will best meet your needs.

 Copyright 8/22/2006, Affordable Med Supplies, Inc.  All rights reserved.  The contents of this work shall not be used, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Affordable Med Supplies, Inc.