It is the most common chronic disease of some joints. It is also called degenerative joint disease.
Inflammation of the joints caused by "wear", that is, arthritis, is also called osteoarthritis (OA). Pain, stiffness and swelling occur due to injury to the cartilage coverings on the bones that form the joints or to the menisci, which serve as cushioning. The destruction of joint structures increases over time. Wounds form on the cartilage surfaces and pits form in the cartilage. Over time, the disease spreads to the bone underneath the cartilage, causing cystic cavities, increased bone density and lime deposits to form.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are stiffness. It appears as pain and stiffness in the morning or after rest. The first symptom encountered in the clinic is swelling in the affected joints after increased activity. A decrease in joint range of motion, sticking, crunching sounds and gradual distortions in the shape of the leg may be observed.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
There is no specific cause responsible for the formation of osteoarthritis. Various factors are involved, including excess weight, injuries or overuse, and genes. It leads to the development of OA. Osteoarthritis is believed to be caused by mechanical factors, which are summarized as "wear and tear" in the joints over time.
Genes: Various genetic characteristics can be considered among the reasons for the development of OA. Possibilities include syndromes in which collagen production decreases. In this abnormality, osteoarthritis occurs with the loss of the relevant cartilage rapidly and at earlier ages than normal. Complex diseases that combine other hereditary features can also cause mild damage to bones.
Researchers have previously found that a gene called FAAH, which is linked to increased pain sensitivity, is less common in people without other diseases than in those with OA. .
Weight: Having a high body weight puts additional pressure on the hips and knees. It may cause more rapid joint cartilage destruction. search Studies have shown a link between the risk of osteoarthritis, even in the hands of overweight people. These studies show that excess fatty tissue produces inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that can damage joints.
Injury and Overload: Repetitive movements or joint injuries (such as a fracture or ligament tear) can lead to osteoarthritis. Some sports can accelerate cartilage destruction as a result of overuse and repeated loads. OA can also develop due to damage to joints, tendons, and ligaments. In addition, cartilage tissue wears out quickly due to standing for long periods of time, repetitive bending, heavy lifting or other movements.
Weakness or instability of the muscles or impaired movement dynamics in the joints they support can eventually lead to cartilage deterioration.
Other factors: Many other factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These factors contribute to the development of OA, such as production of too much growth hormone for the bone and body (= acromegaly), increased iron metabolism (= hemochromatosis), and some chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed by the patient's medical history and physical examination. It may be followed by laboratory tests, x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. They can be considered as clinical evaluation methods of the disease.
Osteoarthritis Treatment
OA treatment options include weight management, physical activity change, limited number of medications, joint surface replacement surgeries and other They can be listed as various intra-articular injection treatments.
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