1. What causes OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Many factors contribute to osteoarthritis, including joint overuse, repetitive trauma, and injury, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the knee. Most common cause is age and female gender in Indian set up.

 Osteoarthritis runs in families, so there’s also a genetic component. And obesity is another risk factor due to excess weight on the joints.

“There is no one trigger or common cause 

Whatever is the cause you end up having the same end damage to joints.”

2. How does osteoarthritis affect my joints?

Osteoarthritis occurs when you lose connective tissue (cartilage) in one or more joints — usually in the knees, hips, or hands. 

In fact, knee osteoarthritis is one of the five leading causes of disability among non-hospitalized adults. 

Pain or swelling in the joints may make it difficult to move the joint, disrupting your daily activities.  

3. What’s the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of the joints. “Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that most often affects the joints, but can affect other organ systems as well."

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoarthritis: About one-third of people with osteoarthritis are over 55. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand can affect anybody. 

4. Is there a drug that will cure or stop osteoarthritis?

There’s no medicine to put joints back together, and no way to medically stop the progression of osteoarthritis or return joints to a healthy state. There are however some medicines in terms of intra articular injections (injections in the affected joint)  which may alleviate patients symptoms for a brief period. This duration varies depending on the grade of Osteoarthritis.

5. How will osteoarthritis affect me in the long term?

Osteoarthritis usually progresses slowly. Constant pain, inability to walk, bowing of legs at knees, restless ness and depression due to severe pain are common complaints among individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.

6. How do I manage arthritis symptoms?

Pharmacological agents such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs are readily available to control pain of patients but the long term use of these medicines may have adverse side effects.

Newer oral medicines known as Neutraceuticals have proven to be effective upto some level with minimal side effects.

Physical therapy is another way to manage osteoarthritis symptoms: It can help you develop stronger joints and muscles (especially around the knees).

7. Will I need surgery for my osteoarthritis?

Joint replacement surgery is usually the last resort when other methods haven't worked to relieve pain and maintain joint function. 

Some other surgical interventions being osteotomies around the affected joints, Arthroscopic joint lavage and removal of loose bodies. 

8. What else can I do to manage symptoms?

Physical activity and eating a healthy diet are really important. 

Obesity is a significant risk factor for knee and hand osteoarthritis, so diet and exercise can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. 

Physical activity is also a great strategy for relieving pain and maintaining, or improving, function in the affected joints. 

Use hot and cold therapies to relieve symptoms, and be sure to take rest breaks.