Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis.

Noninflammatory degenerative joint disease occurring chiefly in older persons, characterised by degeneration of the articular cartilage, hypertrophy of bone at the margins and changes in the synovial membrane. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs--small growths called osteophytes--may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space. This causes more pain and damage. It is accompanied by pain and stiffness, particularly after prolonged activity. Of the many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is by far the most common. Although osteoarthritis rarely develops before age 40, nearly everyone by age 75 has some degree of the disease in their weight-bearing joints. Women are affected more often than men.

People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and limited movement. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis only affects joints, and not internal organs. For example, rheumatoid arthritis--the second most common form of arthritis--affects other parts of the body besides the joints. It begins earlier than osteoarthritis, causes inflammation, and may make people feel sick, tired, and sometimes feverish.

A variety of over-the-counter medications are available for the relief of arthritis pain.

Acetaminophen: This nonprescription pain reliever is less likely than aspirin or other NSAIDs to irritate your stomach. However, acetaminophen (Aspirin-Free Anacin, Aspirin-Free Excedrin, Tylenol) doesn't reduce inflammation.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs relieve pain. Higher prescription dosages also can reduce inflammation. To determine the right dosage, talk to your doctor. NSAIDs available without a prescription include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, Nuprin), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Actron) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Aspirin: OTC brands of aspirin include Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin and Ecotrin. Like other NSAIDs, aspirin can reduce inflammation, but you might need up to 12 tablets a day. Aspirin isn't as gentle on your stomach as, for example, ibuprofen. Ask your doctor about the proper dosage for your specific condition.

Doctors usually do not make dietary recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis besides maintaining normal weight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Although in some cases certain nutrients may help alleviate the conditions associated with osteoarthritis. Vitamin B12 is needed in maintaining a healthy blood supply. In the bone marrow, B12 stimulates stem cells to make red blood cells. When B12 levels are low, people develop anemia. Vitamin E helps with inflammation. Eating a variety of foods, however, gives you the right mix of nutrients for good health. In particular, eating a varied diet emphasizing low-fat, high-fiber foods helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been promoted as an arthritis treatment. Glucosamine is an OTC synthetic, dietary supplement. It appears to be safe, and there's some evidence it may improve symptoms in people with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is found naturally in your body. It helps give cartilage its strength and rigidity. It is claimed that the supplements improve osteoarthritis symptoms by stimulating growth of new cartilage and maintaining existing cartilage.

Research is opening up new avenues of treatment for people with osteoarthritis. A balanced, comprehensive approach is still the key to staying active and healthy with the disease. People with osteoarthritis should combine exercise, relaxation education, social support, and medicines in their treatment strategies. Meanwhile, as scientists unravel the complexities of the disease, new treatments and prevention methods should appear. They will improve the quality of life for people with osteoarthritis and their families.

  • John Klippel, M.D., and Joan McGowan, Ph.D., NIAMS, NIH; Kenneth D. Brandt, M.D., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Marc C. Hochberg, M.D., M.P.H., University of Maryland, Baltimore; and Roland Moskowitz, M.D., University Hospital of Cleveland, Ohio. Handout on Health: Osteoarthritis: What Is Osteoarthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

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