Osteoarthritis for Patients ( Do understand what we mean)

Definition
Ossteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affects almost everyone. It occurs when the protective cartilage wear off. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. There is no Cure for Osteoarthritis. But staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and other treatments may slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
1) Pain.
2) Tenderness. Light pressure gives pain.
3) Stiffness.
4) Loss of flexibility
5) Grating sensation
6) Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.
Causes
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that permits nearly frictionless joint motion. In osteoarthritis, the slick surface of the cartilage becomes rough. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone.
Risk factors
Factors increase risk of osteoarthritis include:
1) Older age. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
2) Sex. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn't clear why.
3) Obesity. Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis in several ways. It puts added stress on weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees. In addition, fat tissue produces proteins that may cause harmful inflammation in and around your joints.
4) Joint injuries. Injuries, such as those that occur when playing sports or from an accident, may increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
5) Certain occupations. If your job includes tasks that place repetitive stress on a particular joint, that joint may eventually develop osteoarthritis.
6) Genetics. Some people inherit a tendency to develop osteoarthritis.
7) Bone deformities. Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
8) Other diseases. Having diabetes or other rheumatic diseases such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of osteoarthritis.
Complications
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time. Joint pain and stiffness may become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult. Some people are no longer able to work. When joint pain is this severe, doctors may suggest joint replacement surgery.
Tests and diagnosis
Clinical Examination, X Rays and Blood tests.
Treatments and drugs
1) Medications
a. Acetaminophen.
b. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
2) Therapy
a. Physical therapy.
b. Occupational therapy.
c. Braces or shoe inserts.
d. A chronic pain class – Training in group
3) Surgical and other procedures
a. Cortisone shots.
b. Lubrication injections.
c. Realigning bones.
d. Joint replacement.
4) Lifestyle and home remedies
a. Exercise.
b. Lose weight.
c. Use heat and cold to manage pain.
d. Apply over-the-counter pain creams.
e. Use assistive devices.
5) Alternative medicine (I do not believe but people use)
a. Acupuncture.
b. Glucosamine and chondroitin.
c. Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables.
d. Tai chi and yoga.