Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a prevalent condition affecting joints across the body. Weight-bearing joints like knees and feet, as well as those engaged in daily activities such as hands, are particularly susceptible. In healthy joints, a smooth and durable tissue coating called cartilage cushions bones, facilitating seamless movement. However, in osteoarthritis, this cartilage gradually thins and roughens, leading to diminished joint flexibility and smoothness of motion.
While the body typically initiates repair processes to mend cartilage wear and tear, these repairs may not always be entirely effective, resulting in changes to joint structure that manifest as pain, swelling, and restricted mobility. For example, bony growths called osteophytes may form at joint edges, limiting movement and causing friction with surrounding tissues.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, its likelihood increasing with age. It typically develops slowly over many years, with inflammation and joint injuries contributing to bony changes and degradation of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Two primary types of osteoarthritis:
- Primary osteoarthritis affects multiple joints and is prevalent in fingers, thumbs, spine, hips, knees, and big toes.
- Secondary osteoarthritis occurs alongside pre-existing joint abnormalities resulting from injuries, repetitive motions, inflammatory arthritis, genetic disorders, or other conditions.
Causes of Osteoarthritis:
While age is a factor, osteoarthritis is not solely due to "wear and tear."
Inflammatory and metabolic risks, genetics, chronic inflammation, joint injuries, and conditions like diabetes and hypermobility contribute.
Mechanisms behind cartilage loss and bone changes involve complex signaling processes and defective repair mechanisms.
Management of Osteoarthritis:
- Medications, including topical pain relievers and oral analgesics like NSAIDs, help alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Hot and cold therapy, physical therapy, weight loss, and healthy eating aid in symptom management.
- Intra-articular injections and complementary therapies like TENS machines provide relief.
- Surgery may be considered for severe cases.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:
Pain, stiffness, tenderness, reduced flexibility, grating sensations, bone spurs, and swelling are common.
Symptoms vary depending on the affected joints, impacting everyday activities.
Difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis involves gradual cartilage wear and is typically isolated, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting multiple joints symmetrically.
- Rheumatoid arthritis exhibits a rapid onset, painful swollen joints, and systemic symptoms, while osteoarthritis progresses slowly with less swelling and systemic impact.
Osteoarthritis in Specific Joints:
- Knee osteoarthritis presents with warmth, swelling, increased pain during activity, and decreased mobility.
- Hand osteoarthritis affects finger joints, causing stiffness and pain, particularly in women and older individuals.
- Foot osteoarthritis commonly affects the big toe, leading to bunions, corns, calluses, and hallux rigidus if left untreated.
