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Facts About Musculoskeletal Joint Disease Of Osteoarthritis
Musculoskeletal system consists of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilages and other connective tissues. All these components work in co-ordination to provide form and stability to the body. Musculosketal diseases are generally accompanied by pain and mild inflammation in joints. Three of the most commonly occurring musculoskeletal diseases are osteoarthritis, rehematoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. |
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal joint disease found in human beings particularly in people above 50 years of age, and is characterized by degeneration and loss of articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis (OA) mostly effects the cartilage (cartilage is a slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage absorbs shocks and jerks) in the joints. As the cartilages wear away, bones become exposed and rub against each other which lead to pain and mild inflammation. Osteoarthritis usually affects joints in knees and hips that support your body weight and in the joints with most movements. Like other chronic conditions osteoarthritis has no single specific cause. Instead there are several causes like hereditary, lifestyle, obesity, older age that may lead to development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects more than 21 million American. It affects both men and women equally.
Osteoarthritis is not as same as osteoporosis. Though both are bone disease there is a slight difference between them. In osteoporosis there is reduction in bone mass that makes bones porous and fragile and can be broken easily; whereas osteoarthritis does not effects bone mass. Osteoarthritis affects both men and women equally whereas osteoporosis is more prevalent among women’s due to their anatomy.
There is no common cure for OA but symptoms can be controlled. OA treatment focuses on pain management, improving functions and slowing down wear and tear of joints. Once OA is diagnosed, symptoms may be treated with methods such as pain relievers, rest and exercise, thermal treatment, massage, physical therapy or occupational therapy. In some cases physician may prescribe drugs and injections. Some people use nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitrin, in an effort to relieve pain from OA. If the joints are seriously deteriorated or damaged then surgery may be recommended to replace the effected joint.
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Facts About Musculoskeletal Joint Disease Of Osteoarthritis
