What is osteoarthritis?

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion.

What joints are affected by osteoarthritis?

Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints can’t be reversed.

What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints can’t be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and receiving certain treatments might slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.

Can hand therapists help with osteoarthritis?

Hand therapists can teach joint protection exercises and activity modification to help protect joints. Anti-inflammatory medication or a steroid injection into the joint can decrease pain, but neither cures osteoarthritis. Surgery is considered when the non-surgical options above have not helped.

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How does weight affect osteoarthritis?

Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis in several ways, and the more you weigh, the greater your risk. Increased weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees. Also, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around your joints. Joint injuries.

How do physician specialties impact the quality of life of osteoarthritis patients?

Physicians may have a significant effect on the quality of life of patients with OA by providing education, collaborating with other specialties, knowing the available resources, and incorporating appropriate pharmacological therapies into treatment regimens. 1.