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Osteoarthritis — also known as degenerative joint disease —
is a disease that causes the progressive breakdown of cartilage until the bones, which were once separated by cartilage, rub against each other. This results in damage to the tissue and underlying bone, causing
painful joint symptoms.
The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age, but even people in their
20's can get this disease. It is the most common form of arthritis and most often affects the joints of the fingers, hips, knees, feet and spine.
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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a
doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about a health
condition, contact your doctor.
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You can control the symptoms or prevent the progression of osteoarthritis by:
- Weight control
- Injury prevention
- Regular exercise
- Heat and cold therapy
- Use of supportive devices (e.g., crutches or canes).
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The type of treatment depends on several factors, including age, activities and occupation, overall health, medical history, location of the osteoarthritis, and severity of the condition.
In many cases, the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be controlled with:
- Acetaminophen
- Low-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Home treatment
- Proper exercise.
If symptoms are severe, treatment may include prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, hyaluronan injections or surgery.
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For more information on osteoarthritis, login
to WebMD and visit the Arthritis Condition Center.
Other helpful resources include:
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