Heredity
In some families, OA is inherited and passed from one generation to another. This
might happen because of genes that form abnormal cartilage and bone in joints
or as a result of inherited traits that affect the shape or stability of joints.
For example, there is some evidence in certain families that genes responsible
for collagen, a major protein component of cartilage, may be associated with OA.
This might lead to weak cartilage that breaks down more easily.
People
born with joints that don't fit together exactly right, such as bowlegs, with
affects movement of the joint, may be more likely to develop OA. Being born with
increased laxity (double-jointed - too much motion in a joint) may also increase
your chances of developing OA.
Obesity
Studies show that being overweight increases the risk for OA of the knees. Researches
have found that increased body weight affects a person's risk for developing knee
Osteoarthritis. Therefore, avoiding extra weight gain as you grow older or losing
extra weight may help prevent OA in the knee.
Muscle
Weakness
Studies have shown that people with weak knee muscles may be
more likely to develop OA of the knee than people who do not have muscle weakness.
Strengthening exercise for the thigh muscles are important for the prevention
and treatment of OA of the knee.
Injury
or Overuse
Some people may develop OA in certain joints because of an
injury or overuse. A history of injury to the knee or hip increases your risk
for developing OA in these joints.
For
instance, football, soccer and skiing increases the risk of OA, which often occurs
much earlier in life. Avoiding injury to a joint and seeking medical help right
after an injury are important in the prevention of OA.
Joints
that are used repeatedly in certain jobs may develop OA. Jobs that require repeated
knee bending appear to increase the risk for OA in the knees. For instance, some
studies indicate that miners and shipyard or dockworkers have higher rates of
OA in the knees. Fortunately, there are ways to modify jobs to prevent damage
to joints from overuse.
Aging
The incidence of OA increases with age, and it is most common in people
over age 65 OA affects both men and women. Up to age 55, OA is more common in
men. After that age, it is more common in women.
CAN
OSTEOARTHRITIS BE PREVENTED?
Doctors believe that many cases of OA can
be prevented. Some of the same techniques used to treat OA also can be used to
help prevent it. Weight control and staying active are very important to help
prevent OA of the knee. This is especially important in children, teenagers and
young adults. Being careful to avoid certain occupational and joint injuries also
can help prevent
OA.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
It is important that you see a Rheumatologist, a
doctor who specialized in arthritis and related diseases, such as OA and RA. The
doctor will diagnose OA based on your medical history and a physical examination.
However, additional procedures may be recommended, such as X-ray, to help confirm
the diagnosis, rule out other causes of pain, and determine how much joint damage
has occurred. Joint aspiration, a procedure in which fluid is drained from the
affected joints and examined, also may be used to rule out other forms of arthritis.
HOW CAN IT
BE MANAGED?
A good treatment program can help you decrease joint pain
and stiffness, improve joint movement and increase your ability to do everyday
activities. A plan will be designed especially for you and should include physical
and /or occupational therapy, exercise, weight control, patient education and
medication. When these measures don't help, surgery may be considered for certain
joints, like your hips or knees.
Your
treatment program will be based on how severe your disease is, which joints are
affected, your symptoms and any other medical problems. Your age, occupation and
everyday activities also will be taken into consideration; you will work with
your doctor or other health-care professionals to make sure your program meets
your needs.
More
on Arthritis Disease
