Osteoarthritis Definition, Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

A simple osteoarthritis definition: a disease affecting the load-bearing joints, characterized by the deterioration of articulating cartilage that leads to cartilage and bone loss. Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritic disease in the US. According to a 2005 study by the US Centers for Disease Control, of the 46 million people who reported having some kind of arthritis, 27 million of them suffer from osteoarthritis. It is far more common among older people, as it is often a degenerative condition resulting from the natural aging process. It can, however, result from injury or illness.

Causes and Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is ordinarily the result of aging and wear and tear. Although it can result from injury to or abnormality in the joints, these causes are by far less common, as wear and tear has a cumulative effect that, over time, can seriously alter the structure of the weight-bearing joints. Injury, joint abnormality, obesity, malnutrition, and other factors can accelerate the process. Obesity is particularly problematic, as it places constant strain on the joints and may even alter the shape and function of the joints before the onset of osteoarthritis.

In any case, osteoarthritis often begins very mildly, often not presenting any symptoms. As a joint becomes arthritic, the cartilage that allows smooth, pain-free articulation begins to erode. This can cause stiffness and pain, but as the cartilage tears or erodes completely, joint articulation may cause bone-on-cartilage or bone-on-bone grinding. In addition to creating debilitating pain, this scenario may promote the development of osteophytes (bone spurs) in the joint as the body responds to bone damage by generating new bone in and near the affected area. Stiffness and pain occur, along with a possible loss of motion in the affected joint.

Load-bearing joints are the most susceptible to osteoarthritis, as they carry the majority of the body’s weight and withstand a great deal of impact. Thus, the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine are the most likely to develop these symptoms.

Treatment

There is no way to cure osteoarthritis. Over-the-counter medications and supplements may improve symptoms—especially pain and stiffness—and diet has been shown to have a similar effect. The primary means of combating a case of osteoarthritis is to achieve a healthy body weight (with the help of your physician), as the decrease in pressure on load-bearing joints is a significant factor. In the event that a severe case of osteoarthritis has so deteriorated a joint that it seriously impacts quality of life, many patients have turned to joint replacement surgery.

When osteoarthritis affects the spine, additional conditions may occur (such as herniated disc or spinal stenosis). The additional pain generated by such conditions can be quite a burden—but Laser Spine Institute is well equipped to address such spine problems. Our renowned surgical team consists of orthopedic surgeons who have mastered our minimally invasive endoscopic treatment technology and can precisely address the affected area of your spine.

For more information or to arrange a free review of your CT scan or MRI, contact Laser Spine Institute today.