Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a debilitating and common joint disease that results in the degeneration of the protective cartilage that covers the bones inside the joint.
This can make it difficult to move around, do basic tasks, and even sleep. Symptoms of OA can vary from person to person and may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint.
As OA progresses, it can lead to more serious issues such as joint replacement surgery and even death. According to osteoarthritis clinical trials, there is no one cure for OA, but there are several treatments that can help relieve symptoms. Some of the most common treatments include topical ointments and injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and surgery.
Types of Osteoarthritis
There are many types of osteoarthritis, and the severity of the disease will depend on which type of osteoarthritis you have. The most common types of osteoarthritis are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis – This type is the most common of cases, in which it affects around 1-2% of the population. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It causes inflammation and damage to the tissues surrounding the joints, which can make them difficult to move and/or painful.
- Ankylosing spondylitis – This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine. The disease is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the connective tissues that support the spine. Symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as problems with movement, breathing, and swallowing.
- Keflex-induced arthritis – Keflex is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat a variety of infections, including those caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It may also be used to prevent or treat other infections. Keflex can cause arthritis (joint pain and swelling) when it is taken in high doses.
Factors That Cause Osteoarthritis
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how it happens, as the causes of osteoarthritis will vary depending on the individual. However, some general factors that may contribute to the development of this condition include:
- Age – As we age, our cartilage cells slowly die off, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Genetics – Some people are more prone to developing this condition than others, and there is, unfortunately, no way to prevent it from happening.
- Joint injuries and arthritis – Joint injuries and arthritis can also lead to the destruction of cartilage cells, which can then contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome – Obesity and metabolic syndrome are two conditions that are known to increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. These conditions are associated with an increased risk for other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Smoking – Smoking cigarettes is known to increase the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory conditions, both of which can lead to the destruction of cartilage cells.
Early Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
While there is no one answer that will work for everyone, keeping these general factors in mind may help you manage symptoms or prevent their development in the first place.
Same with its causes, the symptoms of osteoarthritis will vary depending on the person’s age, sex, and overall health. Five early symptoms of osteoarthritis can include:
- Pain in the joints – This may be gradual or sudden, and it can be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
- Pain radiating down the arms or legs – This can last for several hours, though pain may radiate slowly over time.
- Swelling in a joint – Joints sometimes thicken with age, possibly increasing tension and pain throughout the body as well. Over time this inflammation can erode cartilage (which is used to cushion bones), causing damage and wearing away of healthy tissue that serves no other purpose than to hold the bones together.
- Swelling in the feet and ankles – Sometimes, this swelling may take on an uneven appearance that is often referred to as lines; these can form painful areas of inflammation around joints with arthritis.
- Loss of flexibility – Osteoarthritis goes hand-in-hand with pain in every joint imaginable, but it also has a strong connection to calcified damage caused by cartilage loss. With osteoarthritis, the tendons, ligaments, and tendinous tissues that hold joints together begin to lose their elasticity over time. Sometimes this leads to a condition called tendonitis (inflammation of muscles or tendons) which causes swelling in these tissues as well; other times, they are lost entirely due to damage from bone degradation outside the joint itself.
Osteoarthritis is a serious chronic condition that mainly affects the joints. It can lead to pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, and sleep problems. There is no specific cure for osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. By the end of this blog, you should have a better understanding of what osteoarthritis is, as well as be equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to take care of your health and those around you. Stay safe!