التهاب المفاصل العظمي (خشونة المفاصل) (Osteoarthritis)

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Osteoarthritis (Joint Degeneration)

 

On this page, you will find everything you need to know about osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a chronic condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of articular cartilage and surrounding joint tissues This deterioration leads to changes in the underlying bone and can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased joint function. The disease progresses slowly and typically worsen over time.

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

  • Common symptoms include:
  • Joint pain.
  • Stiffness and joint discomfort, often lasting for up to 30 minutes after waking up or periods of inactivity.
  • Muscle weakness around the affected joint.
  • Limited range of motion.
  • A grating or clicking sound during joint movement (crepitus).

Swelling and redness.

  • It often affects:
  • Knees.
  • Hips.
  • Hands and fingers.
  • Lower back (lumbar spine).
  • Neck (cervical spine).

Spine.

What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilages that cushions the ends deteriorates over time , resulting in bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, and joint dysfunction.

While the exact cause is unknown, several risk factors contribute to its development:

  • Age: The risk increases as a person ages, typically after age 50.
  • Gender: It is more common in women, especially after menopause.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight increases pressure on the joints, particularlythe hip and knee joints, increasing the chance of osteoarthritis.
  • Repetitive joint use: Misuse or overuse of the joints in strenuous activities.
  • Genetics: Individuals with a family history of degenerative joint disease are more susceptible.
  • Congenital joint abnormalities: Defects in joint structure or cartilages.
  • Previous joint injuries: Including fractures, ligament injuries, or surgeries.

How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

A doctor takes a full medical history and conduct a physical examination, and may also request further diagnostic procedures, such as::

  • X-rays of theaffected joint.
  • MRI scans to evaluate cartilage and soft tissue involvement.

What are the Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition with no definitive cure, but treatment aims to relieve pain, minimize joint damage, and improve mobility and quality of life. Treatment may involve several interventions as needed, and may include:

Performing appropriate exercises that relieve joint pain by strengthening the thigh muscles.

  • Undergoing physical therapy sessions to support joint function and reduce discomfort.
  • Weight loss to reduce joint stress in overweight individuals.
  • Medications prescribed by the treating physician, such as:
  • Pain relievers.
    • Hyaluronic acid injections for the knees.
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used if pain relievers are ineffective.
    • Topical pain relief creams.
    • Steroid injections are used if other medications are ineffective.
    • Applying hot compresses to alleviate pain and improve blood circulation to reduce muscle stiffness, or cold compresses to reduce swelling, if present.
  • Surgical procedures, such as joint replacement, based on the physician recommendation.
  • How can Osteoarthritis be Prevented?

Exercise regularly and strengthen muscles.

  • How to cope with and manage osteoarthritis:

Stay active and engage in physical activity for 150 minutes a week, choosing exercises suited to your health condition.

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints through exercise and a healthy diet.
  • Protect your joints from injuries and choose low-impact activities that do not put significant pressure on the joints, such as walking, cycling, swimming, and others.
  • Ensure to sit properly.
  • Regularly follow up with your healthcare provider..
  • What are the Complications of Osteoarthritis?

Increased risk of falls and bone fractures.

  • Joint deformity or loss of the joint’s natural shape.
  • Decreased joint mobility.
  • Development of bone spurs (osteophytes).
  • When Should You See a Doctor?

Upon noticing most of the symptoms.

  • If joint pain worsens with movement and persists for more than 30 minutes after waking up.
  • If the symptoms continue without improvement.
  • Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What should I do if I experience pain during exercise?

It’s normal to experience some discomfort when starting a new physical activity.However, with consistent and correctly performed exercises, your joints will adapt to the new activity, and this will help reduce pain in the long term.

Here are some tips to alleviate pain:

Try to vary your exercises regularly.

  • Ensure a proper warm-up before activity and stretching afterward.
  • Wear appropriate and supportive footwear.
  • Reduce the duration or intensity of the workout if you experience pain.
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