Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. According to Arthritis Canada, about one in seven adult Canadians are affected. Slightly more women than men are affected, although it is unclear why. It is also thought that metabolic diseases may contribute because of their association with inflammation, although this too is unclear.
Osteoarthritis is considered a “wear and tear” condition which sees the eroding away of the connective tissues and cartilage that supports joints. With age, the accumulated usage of your joints begins to add up, which is why osteoporosis is more common after age 50 and in people who use their joints a lot, for example athletes.
Also note that if joints have abnormalities or have been injured, osteoporosis is also more likely to occur.
Read Also
Ground rules for farm family communications
Establishing meeting ground rules can help your family find ways to communicate that work for your farm. Here are some…
The joints that are most often involved in osteoarthritis are hands, knees and hips. These are the joints that are most often used. Osteoarthritis of hands is often asymptomatic. If knees or hips are affected, however, mobility declines. There is stiffness, reduced range of motion, swelling and pain.
Pain occurs most often when joints are used; stiffness is common when joints aren’t being used, for example upon waking up in the morning.
As osteoporosis progresses, instability of the joint occurs, a grating or scraping feeling happens in the joint, and sounds such as clicking or crackling are heard.
Being overweight is the most common risk factor for osteoporosis. With more weight, joints need to work harder and this leads to more damage. Weight loss of just four and a half pounds is associated with a 20 to 30 per cent reduction in risk. It follows that weight loss and lifestyle measures such as exercise and diet are the primary recommendations.
Pain relievers are the cornerstone of osteoporosis therapy. Acetaminophen is often the initial drug chosen. To obtain the most benefit it needs to be taken regularly to prevent pain symptoms. The recommended maximum doses are 4 grams (8 extra-strength tablets) daily for adults and 3 grams (6 extra-strength tablets) daily for seniors. Because liver damage can occur, especially if consuming alcohol at the same time, people with liver conditions need to avoid the drug.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen reduce both pain and inflammation. Again, they need to be taken regularly to prevent pain. Stomach irritation and kidney damage can occur, however, so they are contraindicated in disease conditions that involve the kidneys or gastro-intestinal tract. Topical NSAID creams deliver the active ingredient directly to the joint and are especially useful in knee and hand osteoarthritis.
With more severe osteoarthritis, more potent pain relievers such as opioids may be needed. Care is required, however, to avoid adverse effects such as constipation, sedation and dependency.
Hylan polymer injections may be administered directly into the joints and replace synovial fluid, although these injections have mixed results and their effect is only temporary. As well, intra-articular steroid injections are sometimes used to alleviate inflammation symptoms.
There are many natural remedies promoted for osteoarthritis, but there is little evidence that they actually target the underlying cause. Rather, effectiveness may be related to a placebo effect; if someone thinks they can be more active with the natural remedy, they are more active and it is the increased exercise that is the successful treatment. But, remember to check any natural remedy for safety!
