Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, and reduced motion in your joints. It can occur in any joint, but it usually affects the hands, knees, hips or spine.
Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is the soft, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage absorbs the shock of movement. When you lose cartilage, your bones rub together. Over time, this rubbing can permanently damage the joint. Most doctors use several methods to diagnose osteoarthritis, including medical history, a physical exam, x-rays, or lab tests.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:
- Being overweight
- Getting older
- Injuring a joint
Warning signs of osteoarthritis are:
- Stiffness in a joint after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time
- Swelling or tenderness in one or more joints
- A crunching feeling or the sound of bone rubbing on bone
- Other tests such as blood tests or exams of the fluid in the joints
Treatments include exercise, medicines, and sometimes surgery. Doctors often combine treatments to fit a patient’s needs, lifestyle, and health.
For more information on Osteoarthritis, or if you are experiencing pain, please contact us at Midwest Hand Therapy
