Sunday, February 6, 2011

Osteoarthritis: The Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, popularly known as Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis which causes inflammation of one or more joints in the body. On being the most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis affects more than 50 million people all over the world.
Though the Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it usually appears in knees, neck, hands, hips and lower back resulting in extreme pain.
The Symptoms

Some symptoms of arthritis include bony growths at the affected joints and a sensation during the movement of joint. The stiffness and pain of osteoarthritis usually begins at the age of 40 and then develop slowly. It can affect both large and small joints and can even hurt while lying down in the later stages.


The Causes


Though the medical profession cannot confirm specific Osteoarthritis causes but the associated risk factors include joint trauma in earlier days, overweight, infection in the joints, a sedentary lifestyle, aging, bone injuries, heredity, sports, repeated use of certain joins and overweight.


The most recommended way to diagnose Osteoarthritis Causes is either through x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Doctors can also recommend other tests such as aspiration, which involves draining fluid from the joint or blood testing.


The Treatment


The best and most suggested Osteoarthritis Treatment for the patients of arthritis is physical therapy. Certain exercises are also recommended so that the joints become more mobile and the pain is decreased. A daily exercise routine also helps in reducing the pain since lack of exercise can make symptoms worse. A regular, steady schedule is best.
Besides this, losing weight can make a vast difference in pain release and other Osteoarthritis symptoms. Few studies have found that every time you loose weight, the health becomes better. Your doctor can also prescribe a medication that provides you complete pain relief and improves your condition to a great extent.


If you feel any kind of pain in the joints or stiffness in the bones, make sure to consult a specialist and in case you are already suffering from Osteoarthritis get as much information as possible about the disease.


Peoples-health.com is an online information guide that provides all kinds of information related to bone injuries and Osteoarthritis. To more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of Osteoarthritis and other diseases, visit at http://www.peoples-health.com/


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