Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (AH-stee-oh-ar-THREYE-tis) is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage (KAR-til-uj). Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another…..What Is Osteoarthritis?

Most joints–the place where two moving bones come together–are designed to allow smooth movement between the bones and to absorb shock from movements like walking or repetitive movements. The joint is made up of: Cartilage: a hard but slippery coating on the end of each bone. Cartilage, which breaks down and wears away in osteoarthritis, is….Osteoarthritis Basics: The Joint and Its Parts

Osteoarthritis affects each person differently. In some people, it progresses quickly; in others, the symptoms are more serious. Scientists do not know yet what causes the disease, but they suspect a combination of factors, including being overweight, the aging process, joint injury, and stresses on the joints from certain jobs and sports activities. What Areas….How Does Osteoarthritis Affect People?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among adults. More than 20 million people in the United States have the disease. By 2030, 20 percent of Americans–about 70 million people–will have passed their 65th birthday and will be at risk for osteoarthritis. Some younger people get osteoarthritis from joint injuries, but osteoarthritis most….Who Has Osteoarthritis?

Usually, osteoarthritis comes on slowly. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. Most often it occurs at the hands, knees, hips, or spine. Hands: Osteoarthritis of the fingers is one type of osteoarthritis that seems to have some hereditary characteristics; that is, it runs in….How Do You Know if You Have Osteoarthritis?

No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis. Most doctors use a combination of the following methods to diagnose the disease and rule out other conditions: Clinical history: The doctor begins by asking the patient to describe the symptoms, and when and how the condition started. Good doctor-patient communication is important. The doctor can give a better assessment….How Do Doctors Diagnose Osteoarthritis?

Most successful treatment programs involve a combination of treatments tailored to the patient’s needs, lifestyle, and health. Osteoarthritis treatment has four general goals: Improve joint care through rest and exercise. Maintain an acceptable body weight. Control pain with medicine and other measures. Achieve a healthy lifestyle. Treatment Approaches to Osteoarthritis Exercise Weight control Rest and joint care….How Is Osteoarthritis Treated?

People with osteoarthritis can enjoy good health despite having the disease. How? By learning self-care skills and developing a “good-health attitude.” Self-care is central to successfully managing the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. People have a much better chance of having a rewarding lifestyle when they educate themselves about the disease and take part in….Be a Winner! Practice Self-Care and Keep a “Good-Health Attitude”

The leading role in osteoarthritis research is played by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIAMS funds many researchers across the United States to study osteoarthritis. It has established a Specialized Center of Research devoted to osteoarthritis. Also, many researchers study arthritis at NIAMS….Current Osteoarthritis Research