Osteoarthritis
What Is It?
Inside a joint, a tissue called cartilage cushions the joint and prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of a joint erodes (breaks down). Bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain and difficulty moving the joint. Osteoarthritis also can affect nearby bones, which can become enlarged in places. These enlargements are called bone spurs or osteophytes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
* Joint pain and swelling after activity or in response to a change of weather
* Limited flexibility, especially after not moving for a while
* Bony lumps at the end of fingers, called Heberden's nodes, or on the middle joints of fingers, called Bouchard's nodes
* A grinding sensation when the joint is moved
* Numbness or tingling in an arm or leg, which can happen if the arthritis has caused bone changes that are putting pressure on a nerve, for example in the neck or lower back
Prevention
There is no reliable way to prevent most cases of osteoarthritis. However, you may be able to control some factors that increase the risk of developing the disease. You can:
* Maintain an ideal body weight.
* Prevent osteoporosis by getting enough exercise, vitamin D and calcium and possibly by taking medication.
* Prevent major accidents and injuries.
It may also help to prevent or treating any conditions that might contribute to joint damage, such as gout or infection.
