Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

***nurse*** · 05-21-2008, 06:00 AM

What is osteoarthritis?
[SIZE=2][FONT=arial align=justify]

[COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]Osteoarthritis (pronounced ah-stee-oh-arth-rite-iss) is the most common form of arthritis.
It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones. Bits of cartilage may break off and cause pain and swelling in the joint between bones. This pain and swelling is called inflammation.
Over time the cartilage may wear away entirely, and the bones will rub together.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but usually affects hips, knees, hands and spine.

[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=arial align=justify]
[SIZE=3]Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects joints in the body. It can involve any joint, but usually concerns hands and weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, feet and spine.
Cartilage is the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones. In healthy joints cartilage acts as a shock absorber when you put weight on the joint. The slippery surface of the cartilage allows the bones to move smoothly. When a joint develops osteoarthritis the cartilage gradually becomes rough and thin, and the bone underneath thickens.
Osteoarthritis is classified as non-inflammatory arthritis. This suggests that there is no inflammation (swelling), but recent research shows that this is not true. Although there is usually no swelling in the early stage of the disease, as the arthritis progresses there can be inflammation. Bits of cartilage may break off and float around inside the joint. This disturbs other soft tissues inside the joint and can cause pain and swelling between bones. The result is you may have trouble moving the joint.
Over time as the cartilage wears down, the bones may form bumps on their ends. These bumps are called spurs. Or, the cartilage may wear away entirely, and your bones may rub together.
OA may lead to other problems such as:
• The muscles that hold the joint in place weaken because they are not being used.
• Over time, the joint looses its shape and does not work at all.
[/FONT][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE]

***nurse*** · 05-21-2008, 06:19 AM

How common is osteoarthritis?[SIZE=4]
[/SIZE][FONT=arial align=justify]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]There are many kinds of arthritis. The most common kind is called osteoarthritis
(or OA for short).
It affects 3,000,000 (1 in 10) Canadians.
It affects men and women in equal numbers.
Most people develop osteoarthritis after the age of 45, but it can occur at any age.

[/FONT]What are the warning signs of osteoarthritis?[FONT=Comic Sans MS] [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS] [/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=2][FONT=arial align=justify][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]Pain, stiffness and swelling around a joint that lasts longer than two weeks. [/FONT]
[*]The joints that are usually affected are the hips, knees, feet and spine. Finger and thumb joints might also be affected.
[*]If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, visit your family doctor.[/COLOR]
[FONT=arial align=justify]
[COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]Symptoms of OA usually come on slowly, and involve the area around the joints. If you have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling for more than two weeks, see your doctor.

Damage due to OA progresses slowly over time and may result in several problems. You may have pain, especially when moving a joint. Sometimes, you may hear a grating sound when the roughened cartilage on the surface of the bones rubs together. Bumps or swelling may appear, especially on the fingers and feet. A joint may feel sore and stiff, and the joint won't move as easily or as far as it once did. All these changes can make it hard to move around and to do everyday tasks, such as opening a jar or walking up stairs.

[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Joints Affected
[/FONT]
[FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]OA commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, feet and spine. However, non-weight bearing joints such as finger joints and the joint at the base of the thumb may be affected as well. It usually does not affect other joints, except when they have been injured or been put under unusual stress.

[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]How does the doctor diagnose osteoarthritis?

If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, visit your family doctor. Describe the pain in detail including where the pain occurs and when. The x-ray is the most useful test to confirm osteoarthritis. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/COLOR][/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]
[/SIZE][/FONT]

***nurse*** · 05-21-2008, 06:24 AM

What causes osteoarthritis?
[COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify]

[SIZE=3]The exact cause is unknown.
The chances of getting osteoarthritis seem to increase with age.
Some people with osteoarthritis have other family members with it.
Being overweight can increase your risk of getting osteoarthritis.
Excess weight puts stress on joints such as hips and knees.
Injury to a joint or repeated overuse of it can also damage the cartilage and lead to osteoarthritis.
Other types of arthritis can also damage joints and lead to osteoarthritis.

[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3]No one knows for sure what causes OA, although scientists are well on their way to understanding the events that lead to the breakdown of cartilage. Researchers now think that there are several factors that may increase your risk for getting OA. Key risk factors include: heredity; excess weight; injury; joint damage from another type of arthritis.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify]
[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3]Heredity

The way your bones fit together may have been passed on to you from your parents. Sometimes joints don’t fit right or the cushion between your bones is not normal. You may not have problems until you are older.

[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify]
[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3]Excess Weight

Excess weight puts extra stress on the weight-bearing joints, especially the knees and hips. The good news is losing weight, even just 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), can help prevent osteoarthritis in your knees. Even if you have osteoarthritis in your knees, losing weight can make you feel better. Less body weight means less stress on your knees.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify]
[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3]Joint Injury

If you damaged a joint and it did not heal completely, you may end up with osteoarthritis in that joint later in life. Certain occupations may predispose you to osteoarthritis. For example, people that must work in a squat position over many years may be more susceptible to osteoarthritis of the knees.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify]
[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#NaNNaNNaN][FONT=arial align=justify]
[SIZE=3]Complications of Another Type of Arthritis

Sometimes osteoarthritis is caused by damage from a different kind of joint disease that occurred years before. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis can develop osteoarthritis in those joints in which the rheumatoid inflammation has largely burnt out.

Wear and Tear?
Osteoarthritis used to be thought of as the inevitable result of “wear and tear” on the joints. Research now shows that normal wear does not actually cause “tear.” Normal activity and exercise is good rather than bad for joints and does not cause osteoarthritis.
We do not yet know the causes or the cure for osteoarthritis, but researchers in Canada and around the world are trying to learn why cartilage starts to wear away. In fact, The Arthritis Society funds many leading edge research projects that bring vital new insights and lead to new and better treatments for osteoarthritis.
For example, Canadian researchers have identified some of the enzymes that damage the cartilage in osteoarthritis. Blocking these enzymes may be one way to slow down the progression of the disease
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

***nurse*** · 05-21-2008, 06:28 AM

[FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#a62917][SIZE=4]What can you do about osteoarthritis?[/SIZE]
[FONT=arial align=justify][/FONT]

If your doctor thinks you have osteoarthritis, he or she may perform a physical examination and order tests such as x-rays.
Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are a number of steps you can take to manage your pain and lead an active life.
Learn as much as you can about this disease. Speaking with people who are specialists in arthritis care can provide you with the information you need.

[FONT=arial align=justify][COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]Establishing the correct diagnosis is very important, because something can be done to manage most forms of arthritis, and most therapies work best when started early in the disease.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose OA based on your medical history and a physical examination. Sometimes, your doctor may order certain tests to help confirm the diagnosis, to determine how much joint damage exists, or to distinguish among different types of arthritis. These tests may include x-rays, blood tests or joint fluid tests.

Although there is no cure for OA, a lot can be done to help manage the condition. A variety of treatments can help to lessen pain and stiffness and to make movement easier. Your active involvement in developing your prescribed treatment plan is essential.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][FONT=arial align=justify]

[COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]Medicine: Analgesics
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

Acetaminophen is often the first medication chosen to treat osteoarthritis. It can relieve pain but does not reduce inflammation.

[FONT=arial align=justify][COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]For mild to moderate osteoarthritis doctors often recommend acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, but does not reduce inflammation. For this reason it can usually be safely taken along with most prescription medications. However, there are daily limits of acetaminophen that you can take, so be cautious, particularly with other medications that contain acetaminophen (for example, it’s found in many cold remedies). A serious overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][FONT=arial align=justify][/FONT]

Medicine: Creams and Gels

Creams and gels that are available over-the-counter may provide temporary pain relief.

[FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Topical creams and gels that are available over-the-counter may provide temporary pain relief, but only in the areas where they are applied. These creams aren’t as effective as anti-inflammatories. Marathon Deep Heat Rub®, Menthacin®, Extra-Strength Deep Heating®, and Arthritis Patch. The majority of creams and gels use heat or cold to distract you from pain.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

***nurse*** · 05-21-2008, 06:34 AM

Exercise

Exercise helps reduce pain and prevents further joint damage. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which puts less strain on your joints.

[*]Not using a sore joint will cause the muscles around it to become weak, resulting in pain.
[*]A physiotherapist can teach you correct exercises such as: [BLOCKQUOTE]
[*]Strengthening exercises improve muscle strength and tone, which will help to stabilize and protect osteoarthritic joints and reduce the pain.
[*]Range of motion exercises help maintain or restore normal joint movement and relieve stiffness.
[*]Low impact exercises such as walking and swimming, which do not put unnecessary strain on joints.[/BLOCKQUOTE]

[FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3]Muscles and the other tissues that hold joints together weaken when they aren't moved enough, so the joint loses its shape and function. Exercise helps lessen the symptoms of OA and can help make you feel better overall. Moderate stretching exercises will help relieve the pain and keep the muscles and tendons around the affected joint more flexible and strong. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, water aerobics and stationary bicycling can all reduce pain while maintaining strength and flexibility. While these measures won’t stop the disease from progressing, they can help slow damage to your joints. Combined with good medical care, you can better manage your symptoms. [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=arial align=justify][SIZE=3]

[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=arial align=justify]
[SIZE=3]Protect Your Joints

Avoid excess strain on joints
Maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting extra stress on your joints
Warm-up/cool-down before and after exercising
Apply ice after injuries
Pace yourself. An occupational therapist can help you modify your home or work environment
Wearing proper shoes and using aids such as canes or walkers can also take off some of the strain

[/FONT][/SIZE][FONT=arial align=justify]
[SIZE=3]Protecting your joints means using your joints in ways that avoid excess stress. Benefits include less pain and greater ease in doing tasks. Three main techniques to protect your joints are:

Pacing, by alternating heavy or repeated tasks with easier tasks or breaks, reduces the stress on painful joints and allows weakened muscles to rest.
Positioning joints wisely helps you use them in ways that avoid extra stress. Use larger, stronger joints to carry loads. For example, use a shoulder bag instead of a hand-held one. Also, avoid keeping the same position for a long period of time.

Using helpful devices, such as canes, luggage carts, grocery carts and reaching aids, can help make daily tasks easier. Small appliances such as microwaves, food processors and bread makers can be useful in the kitchen. Using grab bars and shower seats in the bathroom can help you to conserve energy and avoid falls.
Staying at your recommended weight or losing weight helps reduce the risk of OA of the knees, and it lessens pain by reducing stress on the joints. If you plan to lose a lot of weight, discuss the best program for you with your doctor and a dietician.
[/FONT][/SIZE]

***nurse*** · 05-21-2008, 06:40 AM

Massage
Massage is widely used for pain relief, but its results are open to question. At best, massage may relieve muscle ache or tension by increasing blood flow, but benefit is relatively short-lived. Massage should be avoided when joints are especially tender or inflamed, since it can actually worsen your condition at such times. If you’re having a massage done by a professional, make sure he or she understands that, because of your arthritis, you want only the gentlest procedure.

Additional Tips for Living Well[FONT=arial align=justify]
[/FONT][SIZE=2][FONT=arial align=justify]
[COLOR=#000000][SIZE=3]Along with the physical symptoms of arthritis, many people experience feelings of helplessness and depression. Learning daily living strategies to manage your arthritis gives you a greater feeling of control and a more positive outlook. To get the best results, people affected by arthritis need to form close ties with their doctors and therapists, and become full partners in their treatment. From our perspective, it's all part of 'living well with arthritis.' There are several resources you can use in finding out how best to manage your own arthritis.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/SIZE]

***6020129*** · 05-21-2008, 07:15 AM

thnx for info

***nurse*** · 05-21-2008, 11:56 AM

you're welcome