Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a disease that attacks joints and breaks down cartilage, ligaments, bones, meniscus, synovial membranes and muscles. The disease most often affects the knees, hips and joints in the fingers, but can also develop in the spine, shoulders, jaw joint and feet.
The joints themselves act as cushions between the bones and facilitate smooth movement. However, in osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation.
The knees and hips are particularly prone to osteoarthritis. This is due in part to the heavy load these joints are subjected to through daily activities, as well as age-related wear and tear. The joints of the fingers, especially the middle and end joints, can also be affected, which can affect the ability to grip and the mobility of the fingers.
In the earlier stages of osteoarthritis, patients may experience pain and stiffness in their joints, especially after rest or during activity. Over time, symptoms can worsen and affect daily activities and quality of life.
Cause & common symptoms of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as wear and tear, is a degenerative joint disease that usually affects the cartilage in your joints. Here are some common causes of osteoarthritis:
Aging
The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age as cartilage loses its elasticity and strength over time.
Genetic factors
There is a hereditary component to osteoarthritis, meaning that if there is a family history of the disease, your risk may increase.
Obesity
Excessive weight puts strain on your joints, especially in your knees and hips, which increases your risk of osteoarthritis.
Joint injuries
Previous injuries to a joint, such as fractures or ligament damage, can increase your risk of osteoarthritis in the affected joint.
Joint strain
Repeated strain on a joint, especially during certain sports or work activities, can increase your risk of osteoarthritis.
Gender
Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause.
Joint infections or inflammatory conditions
Previous joint infections or chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Muscle imbalance
Insufficient muscle strength and imbalance in muscle activity around a joint can affect the stability of the joint and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Metabolic diseases
Certain metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
It is important to note that the causes of osteoarthritis can vary from person to person, and are often a combination of factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive joint stress can be preventative measures to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage acts as a shock-absorbing surface between the bones in the joints and contributes to smooth movement. As the cartilage breaks down, it becomes thinner and more brittle, which can cause the bones to rub against each other when you move. This can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints.
Joint pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of osteoarthritis. The pain may be worse with weight or movement of the joint and may be more noticeable after prolonged periods of inactivity. The stiffness is usually most noticeable in the morning or after prolonged sitting. It is common for the joints to become swollen due to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the joint.
When the cartilage in the joints breaks down and the bones begin to rub against each other, this can cause pain due to the exposed bone surfaces. The pain can be gradual and worsen over time. Inflammation occurs as the body’s response to the changed joint structure, which further intensifies the pain and can lead to swelling and increased sensitivity in the area.
Since osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, it is important to seek medical help to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. The goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation in order to maintain or improve the patient’s quality of life. Treatment options may include medication to relieve pain and inflammation, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility, and lifestyle changes to manage and slow the progression of the disease.
How is treatment for osteoarthritis done?
Before we perform a treatment for osteoarthritis, we always do a proper examination and look at the entirety of your problem. Many times the pain you experience can originate from another or more places in the body.
The Chiropractor Dubai can use various manual techniques to relieve tension and improve mobility in one or more joints and the area around your problem. This can include joint manipulation, soft tissue treatment, muscle stretching, but also advice on rehabilitation training and ergonomics. If necessary, we cooperate with other healthcare providers and ensure that you receive the right type of care. Book an appointment with our chiropractor in Stockholm to get help with your osteoarthritis problems.
