Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent joint ailment, frequently starts in the 40s and 50s and affects virtually everyone to some extent by the time they reach the age of 80. Men are more likely than women to acquire osteoarthritis before the age of 40, frequently as a result of trauma or birth defects. On x-rays, many people (typically by the age of 40) show some signs of osteoarthritis, yet only half of them have symptoms. Women are more likely than males to acquire the condition from the ages of 40 to 70. The condition strikes both sexes equally beyond the age of 70.

The main source of risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee is working a job that requires the joint to be bent. Strangely, long-distance running doesn’t make you more likely to get the disease. But if osteoarthritis sets in, this kind of activity frequently makes the condition worse. Osteoarthritis may be significantly influenced by obesity, particularly in the knee and in women.

Your chance of having osteoarthritis is influenced by a variety of lifestyle choices. Making some lifestyle adjustments will help you maintain healthy joints and fend against osteoarthritis. Joint health can be improved by low-impact exercise. Look for exercises that combine aerobic activity with stretching and strength training. Osteoarthritis can be slowed down or possibly prevented with regular exercise.

One of the largest risk factors for osteoarthritis is being overweight since it places additional strain on your joints and can hasten the degeneration of joint cartilage. People who are overweight or obese have a higher chance of acquiring osteoarthritis. Weight loss can ease pain and other symptoms.

Studies suggest that a substantial risk factor for osteoarthritis is diabetes. Diabetes can also cause inflammation, which can hasten cartilage degradation, and high glucose levels can hasten the synthesis of chemicals that stiffen cartilage. Osteoarthritis can be avoided by managing your glucose levels and managing your diabetes.

Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, there are several techniques to avoid it as well as treat and manage its symptoms. Simple strategies to lessen and manage osteoarthritis symptoms so that you may lead a long and meaningful life include keeping a healthy lifestyle with low-impact activity, getting adequate rest and sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet and weight.

Remember that joint problems often develop gradually rather than immediately. But it’s time to act and call your doctor if osteoarthritis symptoms start to restrict your everyday activities.

It’s time to seek a checkup if any of the following joint symptoms persist for more than three days or if you have numerous instances of them within a month.

– Aches, stiffness, or pain in one or more joints. especially after getting up in the morning or after a rest.

– Joint aches are more severe than normal. Particularly after exercise or at the end of the day, in the hips, knees, and lower back.

– Inflamed joints, especially after vigorous exercise.

– Joint stiffness or limited range of motion that subsides with movement.

– Difficulty moving a joint or carrying out regular, everyday tasks.

– A joint bending makes clicking or cracking sound.

Your doctors and you can work together to create a treatment plan based on your condition that will help you manage your symptoms, maintain joint function, and enhance your quality of life by allowing you to maintain as much activity as you can.

FAQ’s

1. What is the main cause of Osteoarthritis?

The destruction of cartilage in your joints is the primary cause of osteoarthritis. The spine, fingers, thumbs, hips, knees, or big toes are the most common places for it to occur, yet it can develop in any joint. Older persons are more likely to get osteoarthritis.

2. What are the best treatment options for Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis pain is commonly treated with over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium, when used in the recommended dosages.

3. Does Osteoarthritis go away?

Although osteoarthritis cannot be cured, there are various techniques to avoid it as well as treat and manage its symptoms. Simple ways to lessen and manage osteoarthritis symptoms so that you can lead a long and meaningful life include keeping a healthy lifestyle with low-impact exercise, getting adequate rest and sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet and weight.

4. Does walking worsen Osteoarthritis?

Walking actually helps to relieve osteoarthritis pain, therefore pain shouldn’t be an excuse for not doing it. This is due to the increased blood flow to your joints while you are walking.