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Osteoarthritis is a very common condition, affecting the joints, often
described as "wear and tear" arthritis. This can start from our
teens and gets worse as we grow older.
The amazing thing is how much it varies from person to person. If you
look at two people, who have had identical jobs and identical stresses on
their joints through their lifetimes, you could well find one with their
joints in virtually pristine condition, and the other with visibly
misshapen and painful joints which do not function normally.
Osteoarthrosis and osteoarthritis are terms which are
used virtually interchangeably. Osteoarthrosis means a condition where the
joints are affected by degeneration. Osteoarthritis implies the same, but
the "itis" adds the meaning that the joints are red, hot,
swollen and painful (inflamed).
Most of the time people with this condition do not have inflamed
joints, although they may well be painful and, to some extent, deformed.
Thus, in truth, osteoarthrosis is probably a more accurate overall
description of the condition. However as most people refer to the
condition as osteoarthritis, this is the term used below.
Osteoarthritis is not usually a progressive, and crippling
arthritis in the way that some other forms of arthritis, such as
rheumatoid arthritis can be. It may begin at a very young age, so do not
worry too much that it means you are "over the hill". Changes of
osteoarthritis have been found in the bones of teenagers
The standard explanation for osteoarthritis is that it is a result of
"wear and tear". This does account for a large percentage of the
problem, but there are many examples of people who have had very similar
lives, one of whom will have virtually perfect joints, while the other
will have really quite severe osteoarthritis. Thus there must be an
inbuilt susceptibility to or, on the other hand, protection against
osteoarthritis.
For the most part treatment is to keep mobile and active, taking pain
killers (analgesics) such as paracetamol or paracetamol based medications,
and if necessary, especially when the joints are swollen, hot and more
painful (inflamed), anti-inflammatory drugs, such as asprin and ibuprofen
can be taken.
You should speak to your doctor. He or she will advise appropriately,
and prescribe if necessary. An Osteopath and Physiotherapy techniques can also be helpful,
both in the form of active treatment, and in the form of exercises which
you can continue on your own.
The
Osteopath, and sometimes an occupational therapist may advise
on aids and appliances to help you get around or to make certain
activities easier, in the home or workplace. eg walking stick, rails near
the bath, adaptations to taps and electrical plugs etc. Do not let this
description worry you. Most people have a mild degree of osteoarthritis,
and it is only when it is more troublesome that these sort of approaches
are necessary or helpful.
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