Healthbeauty123.com – What is the Cause of Osteoarthritis? If you’re suffering from this condition, there are several things you can do. Stay active and keep your joints mobile. Consult with a physical therapist to find an exercise routine that will help you manage your symptoms. You can also try water exercises to reduce joint pain. If you’re not sure what exercises to do, try to make some changes around the house. Also, try to limit the stress you place on your joints.
Factors Playing a Role in Osteoarthritis
Some factors may play a role in osteoarthritis, like genetics. Studies have shown that women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men. A gene change may be responsible for this, and it can affect the production of collagen, a tough protein found in connective tissue. Other factors may increase your risk, such as obesity, injury, or surgery. Inflammatory conditions such as diabetes and hormonal imbalances can also damage the cartilage, making it more susceptible to osteoarthritis.
There is no specific cure for osteoarthritis, but you can improve the symptoms by making certain changes to your lifestyle and taking medications. While osteoarthritis is usually progressive, lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery can all help. In the early stages, joint pain will begin during activity and get better once you stop. For people with advanced disease, joint pain will persist even while at rest. The worst part is that symptoms can worsen during the night.
The condition can be localized or widespread. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint stiffness that lasts no more than 30 minutes. The pain and stiffness are often caused by swelling, which limits joint movement. Additionally, you may also experience changes in how the joint moves and feels. It may even make it difficult to sleep at night. If you have osteoarthritis, you should consult a physician.
Limiting Physical Activity and Avoiding Sports
As with any other chronic condition, osteoarthritis patients should limit their physical activities and avoid painful sports or exercises. Adaptation may be easier than expected. Some people who used to jog may switch to cycling instead, continuing to gain aerobic benefits from cycling. Others may find an alternative in swimming. Aqua jogging, which is performed in the deep end of a swimming pool using a flotation device, can be an alternative to walking. These simple changes will make a huge difference.
Your doctor will perform x-rays and an MRI scan to determine if osteoarthritis is the cause of joint pain. MRI scans are also helpful in ruling out other types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis symptoms and diagnosis can be confirmed with an MRI scan, a procedure that involves the use of magnetic resonance imaging. While x-rays are not helpful in determining the cause of osteoarthritis, they can identify other problems associated with the joint.
Surgery is an option for severe cases of osteoarthritis, but it is generally only recommended when conservative treatment measures are unsuccessful. If surgery is required, the surgeon will fuse the joint to relieve pain and prevent movement. However, you should always read up on the risks associated with surgery and how to prepare for it. You will also want to consult with a physical therapist and follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t make the wrong choice.
Obesity Puts Additional Pressure on the Joints
Obesity puts additional stress on the joints and increases the risk of cartilage breakdown. Additionally, if you are young and overweight, you could also experience osteoarthritis. Overuse of joints during physical activity increases the risk of OA. Then, there’s the genetic factor. In the end, it’s your body’s reaction to repeated stress. There’s no known cure for osteoarthritis, but understanding the causes can help you avoid the painful symptoms.
The primary cause of osteoarthritis is inflammation of the joint. It affects any joint in the body, but it most often affects the knee, hip, and other joints. The symptoms vary from person to person, but the typical osteoarthritis patient is middle-aged and has joint pain in one or both knees. Most often, it affects both men and women. If you suspect you are suffering from osteoarthritis, it is recommended that you consult with a rheumatologist immediately to get a correct diagnosis.
Some genetic factors increase the risk of osteoarthritis. However, rheumatologists can detect OA based on your medical history and physical exam. You may be prescribed medications to control your pain or undergo surgery. Physical therapy and weight management are two of the recommended treatments for osteoarthritis, but these methods won’t reverse the damage done to your joints. Your doctor may also recommend aids in daily living.
