Osteoarthritis - OA

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. The condition is very well known as arthritis across the world and probably no one is unaware of this term. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in joints wears down over certain period. It can get into any joint in the body, though generally the joints of hands, hips, knees and spine are affected. The condition typically involves one joint, though in some people, as in fingers, more than one joint can also be affected.

Osteoarthritis generally worsens with time if left untreated and on later stage, in worse condition, it can even deform the joints and fingers and toes may bend like bows. Nevertheless, its treatments can relieve the pain and help remaining active.

Causes of osteoarthritis (OA)

There is no one particular factor that can give raise to osteoarthritis. Many health experts believe that heredity may play a role in the disease. Researches are going on to study several genes, which may be connected to osteoarthritis. Other factors such as obesity or being overweight can also put you at risk for heart problems and also arthritic condition. This is because the major joints like knees and hips already catch the brunt of the entire body's weight as we perform our daily activities.

Some of the ancient medical sciences such as Ayurveda believe that a person who takes dry foods, who moves quickly and/or is exposed to cold atmosphere (such as air conditioned room) gets arthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA)

Typical symptoms of the condition include pain in a joint. There will be tenderness in the joint though you apply lightest pressure Stiffness in a joint also not uncommon. This is typically noticed when someone wakes up in the morning or after some period of inactivity. Osteoarthritis decreases the flexibility and it may become difficult to rotate the joint. There will be grating feeling whenever the joint has to perform its function. Bone spurs that appear as hard lumps can capture the affected joint. Swelling and redness can also appear onto affected areas.

Types of osteoarthritis (OA)

However, arthritis and osteoarthritis are oftentimes considered as similar conditions, here are few of its types –

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Gout
• Vasculitis
• Scleroderma
  

Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA)

The treatment of osteoarthritis involves curing the causative factors known if any. For instance, weight control will be primarily focused matter if a person is obese and has OA. Proper exercises also play significant role and physiotherapy is good for it. Some of the naturopaths believe that heat and cold therapy (alternate packs of hot poultice and icepacks) also help curing OA. In modern science analgesics, painkillers are generally prescribed that relieves pain but cannot cure the diseases as a whole. Latest researches reveal that stress control works relieving OA up to considerable extent. Injections into the joint and surgeries remain as last option for advanced and stubborn cases.

Holistic science such as Ayurveda markedly describes treatment for OA. Various therapies such as ‘Panchkarma’ are very effective. Some of the herbs such as Guggulu, Sallaki, Shunthi (ginger), Pippali (Piper) etc are very effective in treating OA conditions.