Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease. The cartilage, which is a protein that cushions the joints, faces an eventual loss, causing this disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritic conditions but degenerative arthritis is by far the most common. The spine, feet, hands and other areas that bear the load of the body like the knees and the hips are most affected by this condition.
When the cause of arthritis is not known it is called primary arthritis, like erosive osteoarthritis, and after the cause is known it is called as secondary arthritis. The common example of which would be traumatic or post-traumatic arthritis.
Primary osteoarthritis is mostly caused due to aging. Secondary osteoarthritis on the other hand, maybe caused due to another disease or condition. Obesity, diabetes, gout, repeated surgery or trauma may cause this condition. The disease does not affect any organ of the body other than the affected joints. The main symptom of the disease is constant pain in the joint, especially during the later part of the day. Certain patients become greatly enfeebled due to pain, while in other cases there might be a greater case of degeneration of bones without as much pain.
X-ray is the most important method for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. An x-ray is always followed by blood tests to find out if the condition is the consequence of any other disease. According to the x-ray reports, a decision regarding surgery is taken. Other effective means of diagnosis are arthrocentesis and arthroscopy. Arthrocentesis involves the extraction of fluid from the joint for analysis. It also helps relieve inflammation, pain and swelling. In arthroscopy, a viewing tube is inserted into the joint space by the doctors.
Avoiding exerting activities and reduction of weight are the only two ways that can slow down the process of cartilage degeneration, besides the use of medication and surgery.
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