This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a condition which affects the joints – places in the body where two bones come together. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage (the material that cushions the bones) deteriorates. This can cause painful movement in the joints and aching in surrounding areas. Sometimes new bone forms on the edges of the joint, causing lumps called bone spurs. These spurs can irritate the joint and surrounding tissues. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the neck, back, knee, and hip joints. It can also affect the fingers and feet.

WHAT CAUSES OSTEOARTHRITIS?

The most common cause of osteoarthritis is aging. There are two kinds of osteoarthritis, primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis occurs after the age of 50. Although the exact cause of primary osteoarthritis is not known, some doctors believe it is caused by ordinary wear and tear on joints as the body ages. Others believe it may result from inflammation.

Secondary osteoarthritis occurs after a physical injury or other factors that can cause abnormal stress to a joint. This can include trauma to the joint, an abnormality in the joint structure, obesity, excessive overuse of the joint, or the presence of another underlying inflammatory condition.

WHO GETS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis is a common disorder. Your chances of developing osteoarthritis increase with age. After age 45, almost everyone has some changes in their joints that can be seen on x-rays. People who are overweight, have diabetes or hypothyroid conditions are more prone to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is also more likely to occur among athletes, dancers, and others who put unusual amounts of stress on their joints.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Stiffness in the morning upon awakening.
• Pain in fingers, hips, knees, feet, spine.
• Deep pain in a joint during or after activity.
• Worse pain during cold and damp weather.
• Swelling and loss of movement in the joint.
• Bony lumps on the last joint of fingers, especially among women.
• Cracking or grating sounds when moving a joint.

DIAGNOSING OSTEOARTHRITIS

The doctor will take your medical history and give you a physical examination. Blood tests may be done to check for other causes of joint symptoms such as rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays may be taken to look for bone growths or other bone changes.

TREATMENT

The main goal of treatment is to reduce pain, prevent further injury to the joint, and slow the progression of changes. The doctor may prescribe aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger medications called corticosteroids may be injected directly into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation. There are also new medications, treatments, and approaches being studied. You may want to learn about these so you can discuss them with your doctor to see if they make sense for you.

An exercise program is an important part of your treatment. Exercise helps to strengthen surrounding muscles and improves circulation. Your doctor may suggest that you work with a physical therapist to help you get started on an exercise program. Some people do best with exercises in the pool. Others walk regularly.

Heat in the form of heating pads, hot water bottles, saunas, whirlpool baths or hot showers can help to relieve pain and increase flexibility. For morning stiffness, a hot bath or shower may help to loosen up your joints and muscles. Later in the day, hot packs may help relieve pain, or cold packs may reduce swelling. Saunas and hot tubs can also help to relax joints. Some individuals find relief from massaging the muscles around the joints.

In some situations, a surgical procedure may be recommended to help relieve the pain of advanced osteoarthritis. This can include the removal of bone spurs, the fusion (bonding together) of joints, or the replacement of severely damaged joints with artificial joints.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

It is important for you to understand how to take your medications, how they are used, what side effects to look for, and what problems to report. For example, eating before taking most anti-inflammatory medication is recommended to prevent stomach irritation and potentially serious stomach problems.

Find what works best for you. Mild, low impact exercises such as isometrics and swimming are highly recommended. Walking, stretching and range-of-motion exercises can increase your flexibility and strengthen your muscles. Try to balance activity with rest, and avoid activities that cause pain. If your back is affected, it may help to sleep on a firm mattress and avoid sitting on soft furniture for long periods of time. If your neck is affected, you may want to do stretching exercises and keep your work at eye-level.

Maintaining your normal body weight is important to avoid the increased stress on your weight bearing joints. Eat a healthy diet – high in fruits and vegetables.

Stay active to prevent progression of the disease and further disability. Wearing well-cushioned shoes such as athletic shoes can reduce the impact on your joints while walking. Use a cane or knee brace if this helps you remain independent. Rearrange your home to make it easier for you to manage your daily chores.

COPING

Learning to live with a chronic condition can cause frustration and anxiety. It helps to listen to your body and avoid stressing your joints and muscles beyond their comfort range. Ask for help when you need it, but try to do as much as you can for yourself. Speak to your family and friends about your feelings, and consider joining a support group with others who have osteoarthritis. These groups are ideal places for sharing self-help ideas. There are also many programs available in the community at local hospitals, YMCA’s, and community colleges.

Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.

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