Over 32 million American adults are affected by osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis in the U.S. Causing limited range of motion, stiffness, and constant pain in joints that eventually impacts a person’s mobility, osteoarthritis is a painful chronic condition to live with.

Unfortunately, like any other chronic condition, osteoarthritis doesn’t have a cure. However, medical practitioners are able to help their patients improve their quality of life through drug assistance, physical therapies, and lifestyle adjustments.

But knowing the causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis can make a big difference to your or a loved one’s life who’s suffering from chronic joint pains.

To learn about osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis, treatment for OA, and its causes, read this blog.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a result of joint wear and tear in a person’s body. The wear and tear results in the weakening of the cartilage, a cushioning substance that protects our bones and joints. When the cartilage is weak, a person is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a degenerative disorder of joints. OA can develop in any joint but is mostly reported in the hip, knee, spine, and ankle joints.

 

Person examining a patient with back pain

 

How is it Different from Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition. A person who has RA suffers from chronic joint pain as a result of immune cells attacking the joints in that person’s body.

Other Types of Arthritis

Alongside OA and RA, there are several types of arthritis. A timely diagnosis is required to know the type of arthritis one has and determine the appropriate course of action.

  1. Gout
  2. Thumb arthritis
  3. Septic arthritis
  4. Ankylosing spondylitis
  5. Reactive arthritis
  6. Psoriatic arthritis
  7. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Although you will need a doctor to diagnose the type of arthritis you have, some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis are mentioned below:

Pain

People who have OA report moderate to severe pain in the affected joint. This pain may appear when the affected joint is stressed or bent. Sometimes, people with advanced stages of osteoarthritis can have pain even in a resting position or while sleeping.

Stiffness

Because cartilage is the cushioning that provides flexibility to our joints, damage to it can result in stiffness. This stiffness can be accompanied by swelling if the joint is inflamed.

 

Person holding their wrist

 

Lack of Mobility

If a person does not get a timely diagnosis, osteoarthritis can limit mobility or range of motion. This makes it difficult for a person to use the affected joint for day-to-day activities.

Crackling Sound of Joints

This is presumably an early sign of osteoarthritis. You may find a popping or crackling sound when your OA-affected joint comes into motion.

Lump Around Joints

The damaged cartilage and weakening bones around the osteoarthritis-affected joint may form lumps. X-ray, as well as other testing, is required to fully determine a joint’s condition.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Here are some of the most common causes of osteoarthritis.

Wear and Tear of Joint

Constant bending, lifting heavy weights, and prolonged walking can result in wear and tear of a joint and develop OA.

Injury and Repeated Strain

People who have suffered an injury on the knee, spine, or hip may develop OA if appropriate care is not taken and the injured joint is strained repeatedly.

Obesity

Studies suggest that people who are overweight may develop OA as a higher weight can put a strain on spine joints.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle also plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis. People who don’t exercise, have poor diets, and work in physically-straining jobs can develop OA.

Diabetic Complications

In some cases, diabetic complications can also result in the onset of osteoarthritis.

 

Person holding their belly fat

 

Risk Factors

Here are some of the factors that increase the risk of a person developing osteoarthritis:

  1. If you’re above 60 years of age
  2. If you’re a woman who has had menopause
  3. If you have sustained a sports injury
  4. If you have a physically stressful job that involves repeated use of a certain joint
  5. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis
  6. If you have any other type of arthritis, you may develop OA

Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Here are some of the ways osteoarthritis can be managed:

  1. Prescription drugs to ease pain and manage symptoms
  2. Physical therapy for some people
  3. Swimming and exercise, in some cases
  4. Braces and support for affected-joints
  5. Heating and cooling pads for relief
  6. Chinese Acupuncture
  7. Surgery in severe cases
  8. Losing weight if weight is the cause behind OA

Unable to Afford Medicines? Seek Help Now

Albeit OA cannot be cured, it can surely be managed with prescription drugs. But if you’re unable to afford the medicines, opt for prescription assistance enrollment at Advocate My Meds. Contact the full-service prescription assistance program to learn more.