What is Arthritis?
Symptoms | Pain Relief | Different Conditions
Often called degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain. This condition causes joint cartilage to breakdown. Cartilage is a tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints. By acting as a lubricant and as a shock absorber, cartilage protects bones from damage and allows for pain-free movement.
Pain from Arthritis
Arthritis pain is caused by bone-on-bone contact when joint cartilage wears away. In the first stages, non-surgical treatments may be used to treat this condition. However, surgery may be recommended once the symptoms of osteoarthritis become more severe due to further wear of the cartilage. Surgery will correct damage to bones and cartilage.
In order to diagnose your condition, an orthopaedic surgeon will review your medial history, measure the range of motion of your knee or hip, and take an X-ray of the affected and non-affected joint. The X-rays will show the amount of cartilage wear. The degree of damage to your joint surface will determine the best form of treatment for you.
Quite frequently the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown; however, it may develop due to prior injury to the joint, years of wear and tear to the cartilage due to work or sports activities, excess body weight, or from an preexisting malalignment of the joint . Unfortunately there is no cure, but physicians are able to restore motion and ease pain by reconstructing and replacing the joint surface, and in some cases realigning the limb. Total joint replacement is an option which has been shown to be effective at restoring function and relieving pain in people whose conditions warrant the procedure.
Other Symptoms:
Shoulders, finger, hips and knees are the joints most commonly affected by arthritis. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Diminished activity
- Pain in joint when standing or when in motion
- Difficulty walking
- "Giving out" or locking of the joint
- Continuous pain
- Abnormal posture
Joints that are not frequently exercised can become tight and sore. Excess body weight places tremendous pressure on the joints. There are a number of non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis to help correct these problems. Your physician may prescribe a moderate exercise plan, physical therapy, or weight loss. These forms of treatment can to help relieve stress, pain, and keep your joints moving.
Pain Relief
A cane or walker may be used to help relieve the pressure placed on joints and ease some pain. Resting after activity can also help.
To help control pain and swelling, certain pain relievers can be used. Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed. Always consult your physician before taking any medication for joint pain.
The purpose of joint replacement is to restore the joints function and mobility, in order to provide relief from joint pain. Prosthetic implants are used to replace damaged cartilage and bone in the joint.
Conditions
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most common diagnosis for patients who undergo joint replacement. However, patients who suffer from any one the following may also be candidates for joint replacement:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
This is significantly less common than osteoarthritis, affecting 2.1 million Americans, mostly women. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, the cause of which is unknown. The body’s immunological system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation of the joint lining and subsequent joint damage.
Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Also known as osteonecrosis, this is a disorder where the blood supply to the bone is compromised, causing weakness and potential bone collapse. Mostly occurring in people between the ages of 30 and 60, AVN most commonly affects alcoholics, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus, and people ingesting high doses of steroids.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis (PTA)
Injuries to the joint and cartilage which do not fully heal may lead to an arthritic condition.
Paget’s Disease:
A disorder whereby bone formation accelerates, creating changes in the shape and strength of the bone.
Descriptions provided by The Arthritis Foundation