| Arthritis is a common problem. The important thing to | | | | osteoarthritis should understand the basics of the |
| note is that there are many different types of | | | | disease, take pain medication if necessary, loss |
| arthritis. Some such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (also | | | | weight if overweight, and ensure they perform basic |
| known as RA) are systematic, which means they | | | | exercises to maintain both the strength and flexibility |
| affect organs as well the joints within the body. | | | | within the joint. It is also important to decrease load |
| However, by far the most common type of arthritis | | | | or pressure placed on the joint. Activities such as |
| is "osteoarthritis," also known as OA. | | | | jogging & jumping place excessive load on both |
| The term "osteo" means bone. So basically | | | | the knee and hip while walking places "less pressure |
| osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the cartilage | | | | or load" on these joints. |
| on the ends of the bones that make up a joint within | | | | X rays or a film taken in weight bearing helps to |
| the body. In arthritis, the cartilage becomes "thin" | | | | define the extent of the OA. It is important to |
| rather than being nice and thick. Therefore, if | | | | discuss any X ray findings with your GP or local |
| excessive load or pressure is placed on the joint with | | | | medical practitioner. It is always important to rule out |
| "thin" cartilage, the possibility of pain and dysfunction | | | | more serious pathology. One must also be aware |
| is high. | | | | that the X ray findings often do not match a patients |
| So what actually causes pain in the condition of | | | | symptoms. Ie You may look at a film and see "lots |
| arthritis? Well, an interesting thing to note is that the | | | | of knee osteoarthritis" but the person may not be |
| "cartilage" actually lacks a nerve supply; however, | | | | experiencing any pain or dysfunction. |
| structures such as the periosteum, ligaments, capsule, | | | | The prognosis for arthritis is a sequential progression |
| synovium and burse which surround the joint do. | | | | of the disease over time. It is essential that people |
| Researchers postulate that it is actually these | | | | have knowledge and understanding of their condition |
| structures that cause arthritic pain. However, the | | | | in order to put strategies in place to deal with it. |
| primary reason for this is the excessive load placed | | | | Many people are able to continue to live a normal life |
| on the "thin" cartilage. Unfortunately, despite loads of | | | | albeit with some lifestyle modifications. However, if |
| research, the actual cause or etiology of knee | | | | the knee osteoarthritis disease progresses and quality |
| osteoarthritis is still unknown. | | | | of life is significantly affected, a joint replacement |
| People who experience pain and dysfunction of | | | | then becomes a viable option. |