More than 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis, and as more people live longer, that number will increase. Half of all 65-year-olds have symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that affects the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in a joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down and wears away. The bones rub together resulting in pain, swelling, and loss of motion. As time goes on, the pain and damage can increase.
Osteoarthritis is seldom life-threatening, but it can have a major impact on your lifestyle, which can include:
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- Limitations on daily activity
- Reduced enjoyment of life
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However, most people with osteoarthritis lead normal or near-normal lives with a little help from:
- Rest and regular exercise
- Education and support programs
- Self-care skills and a positive attitude
Where Does It Hurt?
Osteoarthritis usually comes on slowly and is most common in the hands, hips, knees, or spine.
- Hands – Swelling in the end joints of the fingers (called Heberden's nodes) or base of the thumb is the main symptom. This type of arthritis seems to be largely hereditary. Medications, splints, or heat can usually help the pain and swelling.
- Knees – Swelling and stiffness can make it hard to walk, climb, or even get out of bed. The knees are the primary weight-bearing joints in the body, and if they are damaged it can result in disability. Medications, exercise, heat, and losing weight can help.
- Hips – Pain and stiffness in the hips, groin, or thighs can be a symptom. Extensive damage can result in the need for hip-replacement surgery. Walking aids can reduce the stress on the hips.
- Spine – Lower back stiffness or pain in the neck can result from osteoporosis of the spine. Weakness in the arms and legs can also be a symptom.
Your doctor might use a combination of the following methods to diagnose and create a treatment plan for you:
- Clinical History – You'll describe your symptoms to the doctor: Where does it hurt, when did it start, what makes it worse or better, how long has it been going on, and has it been getting worse?
- Physical Examination – Your general health is an important part of the process. Your muscle strength, flexibility, mobility, and reflexes will be tested.
- X-rays – An X-ray can show joint damage, cartilage loss, and bone spurs. X-rays might not show damage in the early stages of osteoarthritis, even when pain is present.
- Tests – Blood tests and joint fluid tests might be used to check overall health and other causes of symptoms.
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