What is osteoarthrosis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis. Some people call it a degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” osteoarthritis. It occurs most often on the hands, hips, and knees. In osteoarthritis, the cartilaginous surface wears away and generates a fibrous matrix that can fragment and ossify, generatinga loss of joint lubrication and joint collapse, decreasing the joint space and rubbing between the bone surfaces with bone neoformation as a repair attempt. These changes usually develop slowly and get worse over time. Osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. In some cases it also causes reduced function and disability; some people are no longer able to perform their daily tasks or work.
How is osteoarthritis treated? There is no cure for osteoarthritis, so doctors generally treat osteoarthritis symptoms with a combination of therapies, which may include:
– Increased physical activity
– Physical therapy with muscle-strengthening exercises – Weight loss – Medicines, including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medicines – Supportive devices such as crutches or canes. – Surgery (if other treatment options have not been effective)
In addition to these treatments, people can gain confidence in managing their osteoarthritis with self-management strategies. These strategies help reduce pain and disability so that people with osteoarthritis can do the activities that are important to them. These five simple and effective arthritis management strategies can help.
How can I control osteoarthritis and improve my quality of life?
Five self-management strategies to manage osteoarthritis and its symptoms:
1) Learn self-management skills.
Join a self-management education class or support groups, which helps people with osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions, including osteoarthritis, understand how osteoarthritis affects their lives and build their confidence to manage their symptoms and live well.
2) Stay physically active.
Experts recommend that adults get 150 minutes per week of at least moderate physical activity. Every minute of activity counts, and any activity is better than none. Recommended moderate and low-impact activities include walking, swimming, or bicycling. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
3) Talk to your doctor.
You can play an active role in managing your osteoarthritis by keeping regular appointments with your rheumatologist and following the recommended treatment plan. This is especially important if you also have other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
4) Lose weight.
For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight reduces stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pain, improve function, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
5) Protect your joints.
Joint injuries can cause or worsen osteoarthritis. Choose activities that are easy on the joints, such as walking, bicycling, and swimming. These low-impact activities have a low risk of injury and don’t strain or strain your joints.
