Osteoarthritis: changes in the joints

On By In Rheumatic
Osteoarthritis: changes in the joints

Osteoarthritis, What is it?

Osteoarthritis is the most common rheumatic disorder. The chance of the condition increases with age. Incidentally, osteoarthritis does not involve wear, but a change in the joints. How this change comes about is not entirely clear. A number of factors that influence each other probably play a role. In particular, the construction, heredity and (over) strain of the joint seem to play a role. Other names for osteoarthritis are ‘osteoarthritis’, ‘degenerative joint disease’, ‘wear and tear erosion’ and ‘artrosis deformans’.

Symptoms osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is most common on the hands, hips and knees. It is twice as common in women than in men. Knee osteoarthritis is the most common. Osteoarthritis can be present in one or more joints. Incidentally, changes in the joints may be present without there being any complaints. The following complaints can occur:
  • pain
  • stiffness
  • changing joints
  • other symptoms.
Pain Osteoarthritis often starts with slight pain in the joint that may gradually get worse. The pain is usually in the joint itself, sometimes the pain can radiate to the area around the joint. The pain is often the most severe after a period of rest, for example after getting up in the morning or after sitting down for a long time. This is called starting pain and this usually disappears after a few minutes of exercise. With advanced osteoarthritis, the pain can also remain present during the night.
Stiffness In osteoarthritis, the joints can be particularly stiff in the morning. This is called morning stiffness. The stiffness disappears after a few minutes of exercise.
Changing joints Osteoarthritis often leads to a visible change in the joints. The joint may become wider, deform, change position, or (painless) protrusions may develop. Especially with osteoarthritis in the fingers, these protrusions may occur. These are called the ‘nodules of Heberden’.
Other symptoms In people with osteoarthritis, the joints can crack during movement. An inflammation of the joint may also occur. The joint then becomes thicker, redder, warmer, more painful and the function temporarily diminishes. When a piece of bone breaks off, it roams through the joint. As a result, the joint can sometimes be ‘locked’.

How does osteoarthritis occur?

A joint is a hinge between two or more bones. The hinge is kept in shape by muscles and connective tissues. The ends of the bones that form the hinge are covered with a layer of cartilage. The bone ends are surrounded by this and are thus protected against rubbing, forces and shocks. The joint moves more smoothly due to the cartilage. With osteoarthritis the amount and quality of this cartilage decreases. The bone ends are no longer sufficiently protected and this leads to pain. The joint runs less smoothly, resulting in stiffness. The bone ends are stimulated by the damage and can deform. Sometimes pieces, the so-called ‘mice’, break off.
Osteoarthritis is no wear and tear, it is a change. How this change comes about is not entirely clear. A number of factors that influence each other probably play a role. In particular, the construction, heredity and (over) strain of the joint seem to play a role. Elderly people, women, top athletes, people with occupations that burden the joints, people who are overweight and people who have ever had an injury or injury to a joint have a greater chance of getting osteoarthritis.
When the osteoarthritis is the result of an injury, injury or abnormality, this is referred to as ‘secondary osteoarthritis’. In the other cases it is referred to as ‘primary osteoarthritis’.

Is it serious and what can you expect?

Osteoarthritis is often diagnosed by the doctor. The complaints are usually so clear that additional examination, such as an X-ray, is usually unnecessary. There are no treatments or medicines that can cure osteoarthritis. Your doctor can propose a treatment. The purpose of this will be to help reduce symptoms that you may have due to osteoarthritis. At the end of this article you can read what you can do about it yourself to reduce your symptoms and prevent worsening. The treatment depends on the complaints, the situation and the health and can therefore differ per patient. Possible treatments are:
  • pain relief
  • practice
  • prevent overload
  • operation
Pain relief Paracetamol is often prescribed for mild to moderate pain. If you sometimes have symptoms, you can take paracetamol at times when it is necessary. If you almost always have pain, you can use one of these as a maintenance dose. This means that you take paracetamol at set times of the day. If you have severe pain or if paracetamol does not help, the doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. These are pain killers that also have an anti-inflammatory effect. If you are sensitive to it, these painkillers can cause stomach upset. Therefore always consult your doctor before you start using these medicines. Occasionally your doctor will prescribe a cream that makes the skin somewhat numb and reduces the pain; in some cases your doctor injects anti-inflammatory substances directly into the joint. In general, it is not advisable to use painkillers in large quantities. Excessive use can be harmful. Therefore always consult your doctor first.
Exercise Complaints can be greatly reduced by training the joint correctly. The physical or remedial therapist can teach you exercises that you can perform at home. With the help of an occupational therapist you can learn how to best perform your daily activities such as work, hobbies and household tasks with your osteoarthritis. Heat has a positive effect on the complaints. Moving in warm water is therefore ideal.
Prevent overload Try to prevent overload. The osteoarthritis continues to worsen if any overload persists. If you suffer from osteoarthritis in your hip or knee, your doctor will recommend a walking stick. Obesity also leads to overloading your joints. If you are overweight, it is very wise to lose weight.
Operation In some cases, surgery is performed. The joint is then corrected, fixed or replaced with a prosthesis. When to the doctor? If you suspect that you have osteoarthritis, it is advisable to make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can check whether your symptoms are indeed caused by osteoarthritis and which form of treatment is most suitable for you.

When to the doctor?

If you suspect that you have osteoarthritis, it is advisable to make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can check whether your symptoms are indeed caused by osteoarthritis and which form of treatment is most suitable for you.

What can you do about it yourself?

You cannot do anything yourself to cure the osteoarthritis. You can, however, do a lot to reduce your symptoms and prevent aggravation (see ‘General advice and precautions’).

General advice and precautions

You can do the following to reduce your symptoms and prevent aggravation:
  • Ensure a good, healthy body weight. Overweight leads to overloading your joints.
  • Keep moving If you have temporary severe symptoms, it is best to relieve the joint. But try to move again as quickly as possible. Do this in a responsible manner so that you do not overload your joints. If necessary, consult with a physiotherapist or remedial therapist how you can rebuild your activities in a sensible way.
  • Keep your joints warm Heat can reduce the symptoms that can occur as a result of osteoarthritis. Make sure that it is not too cold in your area. Try to swim regularly in warm water. You can contact the regional rheumatism fund in your area or your swimming pool about the possibilities for this.
  • Avoid overloading Use a walking stick when walking. Try to minimize stressful movements such as climbing stairs and kneeling. You often notice yourself which movements overload your joints, because you subsequently get complaints.

Click the other articles of Edexme.com, you can view more info here. If you like this article, please leave your comments and share this with your friends via social media.

Related posts:

Arthritis in intestinal diseases
Share with...
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •   
  •   
  •  

137 comments

  1. Pingback: Yoga on vacation - rest for your body and soul - Seekers Zone
  2. Pingback: Overweight and obesity from a psychosomatic point of view - Seekers Zone
  3. Pingback: Fibromyalgia disorder in the musculoskeletal system | Edexme

  5. Magnificent site. Plenty of useful info here. I am sending it to some
    pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!
    Roseanne recently posted…RoseanneMy Profile

    Reply

  9. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they just do not know about.

    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could
    take a signal. Will probably be back to get
    more. Thanks
    Isabel recently posted…IsabelMy Profile

    Reply

  10. Ahaa, its good discussion on the topic of this post at
    this place at this website, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
    Marcel recently posted…MarcelMy Profile

    Reply

  11. Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the issues.
    It was truly informative. Your website is very helpful.
    Thank you for sharing!
    Tod recently posted…TodMy Profile

    Reply

  12. Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
    Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all
    your posts! Keep up the great work!
    Sophia recently posted…SophiaMy Profile

    Reply

    1. Thank you and keep in touch with us. If you have any comments and questions, please send us, we will do modifications according to readers’ suggestions.

      Reply

  17. My brother suggested I might like this web site.
    He was once entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much
    time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
    Corazon recently posted…CorazonMy Profile

    Reply

  18. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.

    Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and
    our whole community will be grateful to you.
    Drusilla recently posted…DrusillaMy Profile

    Reply

  19. Good day! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great info you’ve got here on this post.
    I’ll be coming back to your web site for more soon.
    Williams recently posted…WilliamsMy Profile

    Reply

  20. That is a very good tip especially to those new to the
    blogosphere. Brief but very precise information… Many thanks for
    sharing this one. A must read post!
    Kory recently posted…KoryMy Profile

    Reply

  21. Excellent web site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to a few friends ans
    additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you
    in your sweat!
    Latanya recently posted…LatanyaMy Profile

    Reply

  23. Wonderful site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it
    to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
    And certainly, thanks for your sweat!
    Buford recently posted…BufordMy Profile

    Reply

  24. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
    Very helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a
    lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.
    Kristin recently posted…KristinMy Profile

    Reply

  25. Thanks for any other informative blog. The place else may I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect method?
    I’ve a challenge that I am just now running on, and I have been on the glance out for such information.
    Sang recently posted…SangMy Profile

    Reply

  26. Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and
    actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and
    don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
    Darrel recently posted…DarrelMy Profile

    Reply

  28. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better!
    Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept preaching about this. I’ll forward this post to him.

    Pretty sure he’ll have a great read. Thank you
    for sharing!
    Elisabeth recently posted…ElisabethMy Profile

    Reply

  31. It’s the best time to make some plans for the longer term and
    it’s time to be happy. I have learn this put up and if I may I wish to counsel
    you few attention-grabbing issues or advice.
    Maybe you can write next articles regarding this article.

    I desire to read more issues approximately it!
    Katrin recently posted…KatrinMy Profile

    Reply

  33. Great goods from you, man. I have remember your stuff previous to and
    you are simply extremely wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like
    what you’re stating and the best way in which you are saying it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it sensible.
    I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a great
    site.
    Social Media Manager recently posted…Social Media ManagerMy Profile

    Reply

  34. I need to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely
    loved every little bit of it. I have you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…
    Chana recently posted…ChanaMy Profile

    Reply
  35. Bobby Moondone Global Youtube Videos Subscribe Now Everyone Post Comments And Your Website Link On Them All ! says:

    Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers
    and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
    Bobby Moondone Global Youtube Videos Subscribe Now Everyone Post Comments And Your Website Link On Them All ! recently posted…Bobby Moondone Global Youtube Videos Subscribe Now Everyone Post Comments And Your Website Link On Them All !My Profile

    Reply

  36. Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your page.
    Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hey there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends.
    I am confident they will be benefited from this site.
    Beatriz recently posted…BeatrizMy Profile

    Reply

  39. You’ve made some good points there. I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people
    will go along with your views on this web site.
    Kali recently posted…KaliMy Profile

    Reply

  41. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?

    I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice
    would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
    Sonja recently posted…SonjaMy Profile

    Reply

  42. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little
    research on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast because I discovered it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!

    But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this subject here on your web site.
    Ramiro recently posted…RamiroMy Profile

    Reply

  43. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article!
    It’s the little changes that make the greatest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
    Nida recently posted…NidaMy Profile

    Reply

  44. Thanks for every other informative website. Where else may just I am getting that kind of
    information written in such a perfect means?
    I’ve a mission that I’m simply now running on,
    and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.
    Esther recently posted…EstherMy Profile

    Reply
  46. You Won The Lottery Ebt On Your Card Now And Money Comming Soon Checks Ya Going Be Screaming Soon Subscribe To My Channel On Youtube Now Globally Bobby Moodone ! says:

    Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the
    same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done
    a extraordinary job!
    You Won The Lottery Ebt On Your Card Now And Money Comming Soon Checks Ya Going Be Screaming Soon Subscribe To My Channel On Youtube Now Globally Bobby Moodone ! recently posted…You Won The Lottery Ebt On Your Card Now And Money Comming Soon Checks Ya Going Be Screaming Soon Subscribe To My Channel On Youtube Now Globally Bobby Moodone !My Profile

    Reply

  47. You made some good points there. I checked on the internet to find out more about the issue and found most individuals
    will go along with your views on this site.
    Cristina recently posted…CristinaMy Profile

    Reply

  48. Unquestionably consider that that you said.
    Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to have in mind of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about issues that they plainly don’t
    realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as smartly as outlined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
    Stefan recently posted…StefanMy Profile

    Reply

  49. Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
    I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss
    and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would appreciate your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
    Santiago recently posted…SantiagoMy Profile

    Reply

  50. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed
    surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very
    soon!
    Deborah recently posted…DeborahMy Profile

    Reply

  51. I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing
    issues with your website. It appears as if some of the written text within your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening
    to them as well? This could be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Thanks
    Margareta recently posted…MargaretaMy Profile

    Reply

  52. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
    checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same
    comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Thank you!
    Loyd recently posted…LoydMy Profile

    Reply

  53. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your
    articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. But think about if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this
    site could undeniably be one of the best in its niche.
    Amazing blog!
    Selena recently posted…SelenaMy Profile

    Reply

  55. My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about
    a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
    I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts
    into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
    Henrietta recently posted…HenriettaMy Profile

    Reply

  56. Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this
    subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit
    further. Many thanks!
    Jani recently posted…JaniMy Profile

    Reply

  57. You could definitely see your expertise in the article you write.

    The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
    All the time go after your heart.
    Maude recently posted…MaudeMy Profile

    Reply

  58. It’s truly very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, thus I simply use web for that purpose, and obtain the newest
    news.
    Elias recently posted…EliasMy Profile

    Reply