Arthritic Conditions

Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints that becomes worse and causes more damage over time, especially when left untreated. Osteoarthritis is common and effects people who are middleaged or older and is caused by repeated use of the joint, weight, injury, and family history. It can affect any joint in the body and is associated with a variety of symptoms that range from mild to life-style altering.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain in and around the joints of the body
• Swelling around the joints
• Knobs – large bumps that form around the joint and can cause the joint to appear disfigured
• Cracking, grinding, or stiffness when moving the joint

How is osteoarthritis treated?

Treatment of osteoarthritis centers around controlling the pain in the joint and reducing the symptoms associated with the disease. Once damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed, but proper treatment can keep damage from worsening. Treatment options include:

• Weight loss and management
• Exercise
• Medications
• Arthroscopy
• Total joint replacement

Click Here to learn more about the osteoarthritis and the medical management of the condition.