Overview
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in US, is from breakdown of cartilage in joints caused by aging and wear and tear on the joint. Cartilage is the shock-absorbing, slippery tissue between where bones meet in a joint. It absorbs impact and keeps the bones from rubbing together. When it breaks down, the bones do rub together and can cause permanent joint damage.
Osteoarthritis is most common in the lower back, neck, knees, hands, and hips, but can occur in any joint in the body.
Learn more in the video below.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment options may include:
- Cortisone shots
- Exercise
- Heat and cold therapies
- Lubrication shots
- Maintain healthy weight
- Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Osteotomy or realignment of bones in knee joints
- Physical therapy
- Rest
- Stay active
- Stretching
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Loss of Flexibility
- Sounds of rubbing, grating, or crackling sound when moving the joint
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
DIAGNOSIS / TESTS
Diagnostic tests include:
- Blood tests (to rule out other issues)
- Joint fluid analysis
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Physical examination
- X-ray
TYPES
There are two major types of osteoarthritis:
Primary (Idiopathic) – This is the most common type and is diagnosed when there is no known cause for the symptoms.
Secondary – This is diagnosed when there is a known and identifiable cause. It is usually from some kind of trauma or underlying joint disorder.
CAUSES
There are no known causes for Osteoarthritis, but there are risk factors for this progressive disease. They include:
- Being overweight
- Certain jobs
- Gender
- Genetics
- Older age
- Joint injuries
FACTS
- Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million US adults.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the U.S.
- Osteoarthritis occurs equally in men and women before age 55, and is more common in women after age 55.
- There is no cure for us to Osteoarthritis.
- The risk of Osteoarthritis increases with age.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
OUR OFFICE:
The Pain Experts of Arizona
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375