by Cheryl Patterson, M.D.
Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults.
The most common form and oldest form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis (OA). Evidence of osteoarthritis has been found in ice-age skeletons. Today an estimated 27 million Americans live with OA.
Known as the “wear and tear” kind of arthritis, OA is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement of joints. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain, and loss of movement in the joint.
The risk factors for osteoarthritis are as follows:
- Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to have worn out your joints.
- Obesity: For every pound you gain you add three pounds of pressure on your knees and six times the pressure on your hips
- Injury or Overuse: Athletes and people who have jobs that require doing repetitive motion have a higher risk due to injury and increased stress on certain joints
- Genetics or Heredity: Inherited abnormalities in the bones, especially hands, can lead to OA.
- Muscle Weakness: This is often the case with sedentary people
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but with early diagnosis and treatment you can successfully manage the condition. Your doctor may start you on a drug therapy regime, but ultimately YOU are they key factor for living successfully with OA. These self-management techniques can help:
- Exercise: Regular moderate physical activity helps to decrease fatigue, strengthen muscles and bones, and increase flexibility.
- Weight control: Losing weight helps ease pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as hips, knees, back, and feet.
- Balance rest and activity: You should rest and take breaks between moderate activities
- Use assistance devices if you need them: Obtain devices that help you open jars, get up from a chair, or walk more easily
Cheryl Patterson, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician. Her office is located at 31862 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste 401, in Laguna Beach. To contact her, please call (949) 499-1337.
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