Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease that results from breakdown of joint and underlying bone. A form of , it is believed to be the fourth leading cause of disability in the world, with an estimated 240 million people worldwide having activity-limiting osteoarthritis. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Usually the symptoms progress slowly over years. Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and, when the back is affected, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs. The most commonly involved joints are the two near the ends of the fingers and the joint at the base of the thumbs, the knee and hip joints, and the joints of the neck and lower back. The symptoms can interfere with work and normal daily activities. Unlike some other types of arthritis, only the joints, not internal organs, are affected.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Joint pain, stiffness, joint swelling, decreased range of motion
Causes — why it happens
- · disease, previous joint injury, abnormal joint or limb development, inherited factors
How it's found
- ·Based on symptoms, supported by other testing
Treatment
- ·Exercise, efforts to decrease joint stress, support groups, pain medications, joint replacement