Here’s how you should deal with osteoarthritis

A chronic disorder, osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition that affects over 27 million people in the country. It occurs in the body joints but can mostly distress the hips, lower back, neck, fingers, big toe, and knees. Unlike inflammatory arthritis which arises due to a faulty immune system, osteoarthritis occurs because the cartilage (a rubbery element) situated between the joints wears off. Its job is to act as a cushion so that the bones don’t rub against each other. Its insufficiency can cause discomfort and lead to permanent joint damage. However, with timely medical intervention and self-care, it can be managed well.

Read further to get a comprehensive idea about osteoarthritis, its signs, causes, risks and treatment options.

How is osteoarthritis identified?
Based upon the affected part osteoarthritis is characterized by several symptoms. Although, the primary sign of OA is pain and stiffness after sleeping or sitting in one place for a time. Some of its other common signs are:

• Inflammation around the joints (this could be mild to moderate)
• Stiffness that subsides after physical movement
• Snapping noise when the joints are folded or bent

The symptoms mentioned above can powerfully impact your routine as they make even the simple tasks difficult to perform.

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?
Mostly, osteoarthritis is seen as the wear and tear of the cartilage that eventually occurs due to aging. But research in the past few years has concluded that some additional factors could also be responsible for its onset.

• Obesity – Being overweight strains the joints and can lead the cartilage to disintegrate. Also, extra fats in the body increase the overall inflammation levels in the body which can harm the joints.
• Genetics – There are several genetic conditions which can make an individual more vulnerable to osteoarthritis. Such defects can affect the body’s ability to produce enough cartilage.
• Injury – Damage to the joints such in the form of fracture, surgery, ligament tear, etc. can cause them to become fragile and lead to OA.
• Overexertion – Repetitive movements such as lifting bulky items or standing for a prolonged period can cause the cartilage to split and cause osteoarthritis.

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
To identify this condition, doctors will use the following process.

• Ask you about your symptoms in detail like when they began, the frequency, any existing health problems, etc.
• Examine your medical record and your family’s medical history.
• Then take a physical test to identify the areas of pain, inflammation, etc.
• Use diagnostic tools such as x-rays and MRIs to observe any unusual modifications in the bone or tissue structure. Fluid in the joints drawn using the joint aspiration procedure is used to verify any concerning changes.

What are the medical treatments available for osteoarthritis?
There is no cure for this chronic condition, but doctors will recommend you with a range of osteoarthritis treatments which will help you handle it well. The following are some medical solutions that are used for osteoarthritis treatment.

• NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to alleviate symptoms like pain and swelling. These include aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc. The doctor can prescribe these or they can be taken as OTC medications. However, in any circumstance, it is best to take your doctor’s advice before consuming them.
• Corticosteroids – These are strong prescription medications for easing inflammation. They can be taken orally or are injected directly into the disturbed area by the doctor.
• Analgesics – These are painkillers that can help reduce the discomfort caused by OA. You can get them as OTC medicines or via prescription.
• Hyaluronic acid – This is a fluid which the body naturally produces in the joints, and it protects them by acting as lubricant and shock absorber. In OA cases, the production of hyaluronic acid is minimized. So it can be injected directly into the joints by your doctor.

Other alternative osteoarthritis treatments include surgery (in extreme cases of joint damage), and use of assistive devices such as walkers, canes, special shoes, scooters, splints, etc.

What are the foods that help fight osteoarthritis?
Along with essential osteoarthritis treatments, it is crucial that you eat well too. Some must-have foods to ease osteoarthritis are:

• Fatty fish
• Walnuts
• Ginger
• Green tea
• Flaxseeds
• Peanut butter
• Whole grains
• Vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, kiwi, oranges, etc.
• Dairy products
• Turmeric
• Bell peppers
• Spinach

What self-management measures can you take to keep osteoarthritis under control?

• Low impact exercises
• Losing weight
• Hot or cold compression

Apart from self-care and seeking osteoarthritis treatment from doctors, you can also try natural therapies such as massage, hydrotherapy, relaxation methods, acupressure, etc.