Osteoarthritis is a long-term disorder that usually affects several joints in the body. Any joint can be affected, but the knees, hips, hands and the upper and lower back are common sites for arthritis pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in senior citizens. It is sometimes known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) (or, in the back, degenerative disc disease). Arthritis patients often experience joint pain, swelling, discomfort and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis is thought to be caused by friction acting on joints over time. Prior injuries, a history of heavy physical labor or contact sports, and genetic factors all seem to contribute to the development of the disease. Osteoarthritis is the most frequent cause of disability in older adults. Osteoarthritis is not an auto-immune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Heat and redness usually do not accompany the joint pain and swelling.
Arthritis treatment is aimed at increasing comfort and flexibility. Low impact exercise programs keep joints flexible. Exercise needs to be done in moderation and with the advice of a physician. Exercise can also elevate mood, decrease pain (over time) and improve memory. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, and being overweight puts extra strain on arthritic joints. Flexibility exercises such as Tai chi and yoga can also help the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Moist heat can relieve joint pain, but in some cases cold is preferred. Heat is thought to increase blood flow to the area, while cold decreases the blood flow to the area. Patients often try both approaches to see what works best for them. In some cases night time splinting is used to allow the joints and muscles to rest in a normal position while sleeping to help decrease the risk of the joint stiffening into a position that won’t move.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often used to decrease pain and swelling. NSAIDs include the over the counter drugs ibuprofen and naproxen and other drugs prescribed by a doctor. Some patients report that glucosamine and similar substances (available over the counter) helps decrease pain and improve joint functioning over time. Some research supports this assertion.
Doctors may inject steroids into joints to give several months of pain relief and improved mobility. These medications can have side effects, and steroid injections are usually not recommended to be given more frequently than once every few months.
Treatments such as acupuncture and massage give relief to some. Acupuncture is thought by Chinese to unblock the flow of “qi” (vital energy) in the body. Western scientists understand it differently, but studies show that it can be effective in relieving pain. Massage has also been shown to relieve the pain of arthritis. Physical therapists use other treatment modalities that benefit some patients.
Stronger medications, such as narcotics, are sometimes used when there is severe pain accompanying the arthritis. Other pain management approaches can also be helpful, including biofeedback, relaxation and hypnosis.
Joint replacement surgery is sometimes used when the joints have deteriorated to the point that the person has difficulty walking. The goal of surgery is to decrease the pain and disability allowing the patient to improve their mobility. Less radical surgery is sometimes used to correct problems in arthritic joints. As we get older most of us will develop some osteoarthritis. A patient with osteoarthritis will likely have some pain for the rest of their life. The goal is usually to help them have a good life even though they have some pain.