 |
 |
 |
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis
is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown
of the joint's cartilage (this is the cusion between the bony
surfaces) where the bones rub against each other, causing pain
and loss of movement. Osteoarthritis is often called "wear-and-tear".
The biological causes of the disorder are not known. It does
not appear to be caused by ageing itself, however osteoarthritis
generally comes with ageing.
In
many cases, certain conditions seem to trigger osteoarthritis.
People with joint injuries from sports, work-related activity
or accidents may be at an increased risk. Severe obesity may
lead to osteoarthritis of the knees. Individuals with mismatched
surfaces on the joints could be damaged over time by abnormal
stress may be prone to osteoarthritis. One study reported that
wearing shoes with 2.5 in (6.3 cm) heels or higher may also
be a contributing factor. High heels force women to alter the
way they normally maintain balance, putting strain on the areas
between the kneecap and thigh bone and on the inside of the
knee joint. |
|
 |
Signs
and symptoms
Although
up to 85% of people over 65 show evidence of osteoarthritis on x-ray, only
35-50% experience symptoms. Symptoms range from very mild to very severe,
affecting hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and
the back. The pain of osteoarthritis usually begins gradually and progresses
slowly over many years.
- Osteoarthritis is commonly identified by aching pain in one or more joints,
stiffness and loss of mobility.
- The disease can cause significant trouble when walking and whilst climbing
stairs.
- Inflammation may or may not be present.
- Extensive use of the joint often exacerbates pain.
- Osteoarthritis is often worse at night than in the morning and in humid
weather than dry weather.
- Periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting, may cause stiffness
that can be eased by stretching and exercise.
- Bony lumps on the end joint of the finger (Herberden's nodes) and on the
middle joint of the finger (Bouchard's nodes) may also develop.
A
diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made based on a physical exam and history
of symptoms. X-rays are used to confirm diagnosis. An indication of cartilage
loss is if the normal space between the bones in a joint is narrowed, if
there is an abnormal increase in bone density or if bony projections or
erosions are evident. Additional tests can be performed if other conditions
are suspected eg blood tests will rule out rheumatoid arthritis.
|
|
 |
Differences
between Rheumatoid Arthritis
and Osteoarthritis
|
|
| Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a condition of wear
and tear. It is an auto-immune disease which is when
your own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue,
causing inflammation that damages your joints. |
|
| Osteoarthritis (OA) is not an auto-immune disease.
It is a condition of wear and tear associated with
aging or injury. The immune system is not affected. |
|
| RA usually causes pain or stiffness lasting for more
than 30 minutes in the morning or after a long rest
and lack of activity. |
|
| OA stiffness tends to get worse with use throughout
the day. |
|
| RA can occur at any age. It often begins in middle
age and tends to get worse over time. |
|
| OA usually occurs as individuals age and in those
whose joints have become worn down by excessive use. |
|
| RA is associated with symmetrical swelling (eg both
hands, both elbows) |
|
| OA is associated with asymmetrical swelling in individual
joints eg one knee and an elbow, instead of both knees. |
|
| Most typically, RA symptoms include joint pain, swelling,
tenderness and redness of the joints; prolonged morning
stiffness; less range of movement. Some people also
experience fever, weight loss, fatigue, and/or anaemia. |
|
| Generally, OA symptoms include joint stiffness, pain
and enlarged joints. |
|
| With RA, inflammation generally occurs in the knuckles
and at the joints closest to your hands, nearer the base
of your fingers. |
|
| Inflammation generally occurs at the joint closest to
your fingernail. |
|
| RA tends to cause swelling and pain in smaller joints
such as the hands and ankles. |
|
| OA tends to cause pain and swelling in bigger joints
such as the hips and knees. |
|
|
|
 |
Treatment
and management
There
is no known way to prevent osteoarthritis, however lifestyle changes can
reduce or delay symptoms. Treatment often focuses on decreasing pain and
improving joint movement. Prevention and treatment measures may include:
Nutritional
Support
Although
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis have different causes the nutritional
support used for both conditions is similar.
- Fish Oils (Omega 3) may help to reduce inflammation (especially in rheumatoid
arthritis). Cold water fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and tuna contain
the most potent forms of omega 3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic
acid (DHA). Cod liver oil is a source of omega 3; however it also contains
vitamin A and should be avoided by pregnant women. When
looking for a supplement it is important to have a high EPA and DHA (eg Lambert’s Fish oils
contain 310mg of EPA and 210mg of DHA).
- Glucosamine sulphate is naturally manufactured in the body and helps to
build cartilage. It is useful to take for 3 months if there is a cartilage
injury or take fulltime if a diagnosis of Osteoarthritis has been made.
According to some reports, a daily dose of 750–1,500
mg of glucosamine may result in reduced joint pain, stiffness and
swelling.
- Turmeric and Bromelain are also both useful with acute injury and inflammation.
- It has been reported that deficiencies in vitamin
D in older people may
worsen their condition, so individuals with osteoarthritis should strive
to get the recommended 400 IU a day. To protect bones, adults should also
consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily.
- Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and Zinc are used to protect cells
in the joints from damage.
Management
- Exercise is important as it maintains joint flexibility and improves muscle
strength.
Regular weight-bearing exercise helps to protect the joints, by
strengthening the supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Chiropractic treatment.
- Joint protection, which prevents strain and stress on painful joints.
- Heat/cold therapy for temporary pain relief.
- Weight control is important as it prevents extra stress on weight-bearing
joints.
- Surgery may be needed to relieve chronic pain in damaged joints. Osteoarthritis
is the most common indication for total joint replacement of the hip and
knee.
- Various pain control medications, including corticosteroids and NSAIDs
(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac)
may be used. For inflamed joints that are not responsive to NSAIDS, injectable
glucocorticoids may be used.
Osteoarthritis
is not life threatening, but quality of life can deteriorate significantly
due to the pain and loss of mobility that it causes. |
|
 |
New
Improved Website!
- Home – Welcome to Wickford Chiropractic Clinic
- About Chiropractic – background history, regulation and who can benefit
from Chiropractic treatment.
- The Team – new photos and awards
- Our services – information on treatment and opening hours
- FAQs – are there any we’ve missed out?
- Contact us – directions and contact details to make
an appointment by e-mail. We’ve covered quite a few topics in the newsletters
and now have these available to download on the website.
Wishing all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year!
|
|
 |
|
 |
to unsubscribe click here
if this email doesn't display correctly, view
the online version
|
|
