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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 families. More women
than men have it, and they develop it especially after menopause.
In osteoarthritis, small, bony knobs appear on the end joints
of the fingers. They are called Heberden's (HEB-err-denz)
nodes. Similar knobs, called Bouchard's (boo-SHARDZ) nodes,
can appear on the middle joints of the fingers. Fingers can
become enlarged and gnarled, and they may ache or be stiff
and numb. The base of the thumb joint also is commonly affected
by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the hands can be helped
by medications, splints, or heat treatment.
Cartilage: The Key to Healthy Joints
Cartilage is 65 to 80 percent water. Three other components
make up the rest of cartilage tissue: collagen, proteoglycans,
and chondrocytes.
- Collagen (KAHL-uh-jen): a fibrous
protein. Collagen is also the building block of
skin, tendon, bone, and other connective tissues.
- Proteoglycans (PRO-tee-uh-GLY-kanz):
a combination of proteins and sugars. Strands
of proteoglycans and collagen weave together and
form a mesh-like tissue. This allows cartilage
to flex and absorb physical shock.
- Chondrocytes (KAHN-druh-sytz):
cells that are found all through the cartilage.
They mainly help cartilage stay healthy and grow.
Sometimes, however, they release substances called
enzymes that destroy collagen and other proteins.
Researchers are trying to learn more about chondrocytes.
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Knees: The knees are the body's
primary weight-bearing joints. For this reason, they are among
the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. They
may be stiff, swollen, and painful, making it hard to walk,
climb, and get in and out of chairs and bathtubs. If not treated,
osteoarthritis in the knees can lead to disability. Medications,
weight loss, exercise, and walking aids can reduce pain and
disability. In severe cases, knee replacement surgery may
be helpful.
Hips: Osteoarthritis in the hip
can cause pain, stiffness, and severe disability. People may
feel the pain in their hips, or in their groin, inner thigh,
buttocks, or knees. Walking aids, such as canes or walkers,
can reduce stress on the hip. Osteoarthritis in the hip may
limit moving and bending. This can make daily activities such
as dressing and foot care a challenge. Walking aids, medication,
and exercise can help relieve pain and improve motion. The
doctor may recommend hip replacement if the pain is severe
and not relieved by other methods.
Spine: Stiffness and pain in the
neck or in the lower back can result from osteoarthritis of
the spine. Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs also can
result. Some people feel better when they sleep on a firm
mattress or sit using back support pillows. Others find it
helps to use heat treatments or to follow an exercise program
that strengthens the back and abdominal muscles. In severe
cases, the doctor may suggest surgery to reduce pain and help
restore function.
The Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis
- Steady or intermittent pain in a joint
- Stiffness in a joint after getting out
of bed or sitting for a long time
- Swelling or tenderness in one
or more joints
- A crunching feeling or the sound of bone
rubbing on bone
- Hot, red, or tender? Probably not osteoarthritis.
Check with your doctor about other causes, such
as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pain? Not always. In fact, only a third
of people whose x rays show evidence of osteoarthritis
report pain or other symptoms.
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How
Do Doctors Diagnose Osteoarthritis?
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