In this article, we will be talking about one of the most common diseases affecting both males & females but the symptoms of arthritis appear in postmenopausal females very often.
After reading this article, you will come to know about the basic cause, pathology, symptoms and the prevention methods of osteoarthritis. So let’s dive in:
Table of Contents
What is the Cause of O.A?
OA (Osteoarthritis) occurs due to lack of calcium as well as the wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints, due to which the bone ends touch directly each other thus leading to pain due to friction.
What are the Symptoms of O.A?
OA mainly occurs in knee joints, although hip and ankle are also affected many times.
Some symptoms are-
- Pain in and around the joint
- Stiffness
- Pain in changing positions, like from sitting to standing to walking etc.
- Redness and swelling around the joint
- Crepitus (A crackling sound that is heard while moving the joints)
How can OA be diagnosed?
You need a proper well-qualified orthopedic Doctor to get the OA diagnosis done, as many diseases have the same kind of symptoms. So checking with an expert is mandatory.
OA can be diagnosed via-
- X-ray – The space between the joints (between the two bones) is reduced and most of the times there are small projections on edges of the joints, known as Osteophytes.
- It can be diagnosed by ruling out other types of arthritis like Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis etc with Blood Tests (if required).
How to Prevent OA?
Here are some important factors to consider if you want to prevent OA-
- Walk for at least 15 minutes daily (your household chores walk or chasing your toddler doesn’t count).
- Take a good amount of calcium in your diet, unless advised otherwise.
- Some rich sources of calcium are milk and dairy products, flax seeds, soy products, guava, green leafy veggies etc.
- Vitamin C & D are also required for better absorption of calcium, so make friends with citrus fruits and sunlight.
- Women need more calcium than men.
- Stay active and happy, as your mental health is very much responsible for your physical health.
- Weight maintenance is the key to make your joints work well. The moment you start gaining those extra pounds, your joints have to bear that extra weight thus making them prone to more wear and tear.
Living With Osteoarthritis
It’s never too late!
- Take your physiotherapy sessions seriously. They will help ease the pain and will keep your muscles strong to make the degenerating joints handle stress more efficiently and painlessly.
- Weight Bearing exercises are a boon for stimulating calcium in your bones. Don’t ignore them ever.
- Get your diet monitored according to your age, gender, associated medical conditions as well as the current bone & joint status.
- Get your bone density tests done regularly. These help determine the amount of calcium present in bones and also the fracture risks.
- Brisk Walks, a good diet, a happy mind, and careful monitoring of the bone condition as well as the medications are the key points to consider.
Living happily with Osteoarthritis is not a tedious job, You just need to be cautious about your health, follow these measures religiously and say Hello to the World!
Also, Read Easy home exercises for Osteoarthritis and change your lifestyle to live pain-free with osteoarthritis.
Note: The remedies or exercises provided in this article are not a replacement for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before following the solutions.
