Osteoarthritis is a type of Musculoskeletal disorder arthritis that in most cases is painful and degenerative. Arthritis is a physical condition that usually affects the joints and the bones of a person. There are many different causes of this condition and these are dependent on what type of arthritis the person is afflicted with. Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease because the person afflicted with it will soon lose mobility in the affected joints.
Causes Of Osteoarthritis
One of the many factors that lead to osteoarthritis is a person’s genes. The many cases of family members having the same condition have led researchers to believe that the genes play a role in relaying this condition from family member to family member. Having the same genes do not mark one as definitely sure to have osteoarthritis but it does make one prone or susceptible to it.
Another cause of osteoarthritis is injury or trauma to the joints. In some cases of injury or trauma to some joints, these do not heal too well and lead to osteoarthritis. People who are genetically prone to the condition need to watch themselves from sustaining injuries in the joints and bones since this degenerative disease can strike anytime.
Treating Osteoarthritis
This condition actually has no cure. Prevention and maintenance is the best option for osteoarthritis treatment. Doctors recommend maintaining normal weight to avoid any untoward injuries due to being too heavy for your joints to carry and to watch the diet in order to maintain the right body weight. Taking care of weight bearing joints such as the knees, ankles and hips are advisable. These are the preventive measures that may help to keep this degenerative disease at bay but there are lots of cases where maintenance still can not prevent osteoarthritis.
Some cases of this type of arthritis may not be as painful as others expect. Slight inflammation and some pain may be present but these may be minimal and bearable. Some doctors recommend pain relievers as well as anti-inflammatory medication to help alleviate the pain felt by the individual. The level of exercise should not be strenuous for the joints so there should be minimal running and weight lifting if you have osteoarthritis. Low impact cardio exercises may be necessary to prevent furthering the disease.
Many people suffer from this very common form of arthritis. Information may be the best way to prevent and control osteoarthritis. Keeping abreast with news and articles regarding this disease can keep you up to date with what is necessary and what new treatments are available.
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