Definition:
OSTEOARTHRITIS which is also known as osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive disorder of the joints.
The word osteoarthritis is derived from the Greek word parts below:
- osteo which means “of the bone”
- arthr which means “joint”
- itis which means “inflammation
Commonly known as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a breakdown of cartilage (substance that serves as a ‘cushion’ between the bones of the joints) of one or more joints. Occurs in the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine. It also affects the fingers, thumb, neck, and large toe.
Epidemiology
Worldwide, there is estimated to be 250 million people affected by osteoarthritis of the knee, comprising of 3.6% of the total population. Approximately 80% of the population is likely to show radiographic evidence of bone degradation in the joints by the age of 65, although only 60% of those are likely to be symptomatic.
Causes:
1.Age: Most people over age 60 have OA to some degree, but its severity varies. Even people in their 20s and 30s can get osteoarthritis, although there is often an underlying reason, such as joint injury or repetitive joint stress from overuse.
2.Genes: Various genetic traits can make a person more likely to develop OA.
3. Weight: Being overweight puts additional pressure on hips and knees. Every pound of weight you gain adds 3 to 4 pounds of extra weight on your knees Many years of carrying extra pounds can cause the cartilage that cushions joints to break down faster.
4.Gender: Women ages 55 and older are more likely than men to develop OA of the knee.
5.Injury and overuse: Mechanical stress on the joints is the main reason for the development of osteoarthritis Repetitive movements or injuries to joints (such as a fracture, surgery or ligament tears) can lead to osteoarthritis
6.Certain occupations:If your job includes tasks that place repetitive stress on a particular joint, that joint may eventually develop OA
7.Others: Several other factors may contribute to osteoarthritis. These factors include bone and joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, certain metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis.
Symptoms:
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time.
Pain: Primary symptom, increases when you are active but gets a little better with rest
Crepitus: Crackly sound that is heard when the knee moves
Tenderness/Inflammation:Your joint may feel tender when you apply light pressure to it.
Stiffness:Joint stiffness may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity
Loss of flexibility/ability: You may not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion
Bone spurs: These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.
Treatment
PHYSIOTHERAPY:
- The primary goals of treating Osteoarthritis are to relieve the pain and return mobility
- Managing symptoms such as stiffness and swelling
- Improving joint mobility and flexibility
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough of exercise
Assistive/Supportive Devices:
Can help with function and mobility such as like canes, crutches, walkers, splints, knee supports, shoe orthotics as they stabilize the ligaments and tendons and decrease pain.
Medicines:
Available as pills, syrups, creams or lotions, or they are injected into a joint such as Analgesics, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids, Hyaluronic acid.
Surgery:
Joint surgery can repair or replace severely damaged joints, especially hips or knees.