What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease) is a group of diseases and mechanical abnormalities involving the degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and the subchondral bone next to it. Clinical manifestations of OA may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, creaking, locking of joints, and sometimes local inflammation. In OA, a variety of potential forces – hereditary, developmental, metabolic, and mechanical – may initiate processes leading to loss of cartilage – a strong protein matrix that lubricates and cushions the joints. As the body struggles to contain ongoing damage, immune and regrowth processes can accelerate damage. When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, subchondral bone may be exposed and damaged, with regrowth leading to a proliferation of ivory-like, dense, reactive bone in central areas of cartilage loss, a process called eburnation. The patient increasingly experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. As a result of decreased movements because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax. OA is the most common form of arthritis and the leading cause of chronic disability in the United States.
Osteoarthritis affects about 8 million people in the United Kingdom and nearly 27 million people in the United States, where it accounts for 25% of visits to primary care physicians and half of all NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) prescriptions. It is estimated that 80% of the US population will have radiographic evidence of OA by age 65, although only 60% of those will show symptoms.
Summary
By learning more about osteoarthritis, we can better understand how to prevent and treat symptoms associated with it. When joint pain is present, whatever is required depends on the area affected and the symptoms present, and that is why it is important to have a team of doctors who can identify the root cause.
At BBC Health in Lewisville, Texas, we know how to identify, treat, or refer in the proper direction for any problems with your back and neck. As a primary care provider, we can quickly provide medical, chiropractic, and rehab treatments to get you well as fast as possible. If you’re suffering from joint pain, don’t delay, and contact us immediately to see how we can help.
