What is Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. This type of arthritis occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down. It is very common with more than 3 million US cases per year. Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured. Lab tests and imaging are needed for a medical diagnosis! OA is a chronic condition that can last lifelong. OA is the wearing down of the protective tissue at the ends of bones (cartilage) occurs gradually and worsens over time. Consult a doctor for medical advice.
Symptoms
- Hand: bump on the finger or bony outgrowth in fingers or toes
- Joint deformity
- Joint pain in the hands, neck, lower back, knees, or hips is the most common symptom
- Joints: stiffness, crackles, swelling, or tenderness
- Limping
- Pain areas: in the joints, hands, hip, knee, lower back, or neck
- Pain circumstances: can occur related to weather
- Pain types: can be severe in the joints
Treatment
- Acupuncture
- Analgesic
- Arthroscopy and Joint replacement
- Dietary supplement
- Hydrotherapy
- Ice Packs
- Menthol
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- Occupational therapist
- Orthopedic surgeon
- Pain Medications
- Physical exercise
- Physical therapist
- Physical therapy
- Primary care provider (PCP)
- Rheumatologist
- Sports medicine
- Stretching
- Surgery
- Therapies
- Weight loss
