Understanding Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. A type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down. The wearing down of the protective tissue at the ends of bones (cartilage) occurs gradually and worsens over time.

Primary osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, a rubbery material that eases the friction in our joints. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people.

A Simple Understanding of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis:

What is the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis?

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The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints. It may begin any time in life.

Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis:

Pain
Affected joints might hurt during or after movement due to the loss of Synovial fluid.
Stiffness
Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
Tenderness
Loss of Flexibility
Grating Sensation
Bone Spurs
Swelling

People with severe OA have an extensive or complete loss of cartilage in one or more joints.

How Can One Confirm Osteoarthritis?

There is no blood test for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

X-rays of the affected joints are the main way osteoarthritis is identified.

Arthroscopy Procedures: The Doctor inserts a viewing tube into the joint space. Abnormalities of and damage to the cartilage and ligaments can be detected and sometimes repaired through the arthroscope.
Bony enlargement of the joints from spur formations is characteristic of OSTEOARTHRITIS.

Osteoarthritis Management:

Congenital Abnormalities such as hypermobility and abnormal joint Structure.
Trauma (Joint injury but also includes obesity and surgeries)
Crystal deposition (e.g., uric acid in gout)
Presence of abnormal cartilage (genetic).

Cartilage:
Cartilage is made up of specialized cells known as chondrocytes, these produce an extracellular matrix made up of collagen, proteoglycans, and elastin. This matrix acts as shock absorber in the joint, to take strain off the end of the bone and help prevent wear and tear on the cartilage itself. Therefore, supporting this matrix and regenerating chondrocytes is essential for supporting joint health.

Collagen:
Collagen type II is a major component of the extracellular matrix of hyaline cartilage and its synthesis and catabolism is regulated by chondrocytes (cells found in cartilage connective tissue).

Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is essential to produce collagen, it is a cofactor in the binding, cross-linking, and folding of collagen to provide its unique structure. Several in vitro studies have shown that vitamin C has an anabolic effect on cartilage.

Vitamin D:
Vitamin D intake is inversely associated with cartilage degeneration among patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and supplementation may have a protective effect. The presence of low levels of vitamin D in patients with OA has been described as a substantial problem. A recent study found that 22% of patients with OA had a 25(OH)D3 level of < 37.5 nmol/l.

Conclusion:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease Medication, Physical exercise, Weight loss, Ice packs and menthol are very much effective in Osteoarthritis.

About the Author: Mr. Anil Kumar Srivastava is a Pharmaceutical Professional, Blogger, Economist, and Writer.